07/31/2026
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim Semon, a beloved youth coach, mentor, and positive male role model to Anthony.
Jim and Anthony’s relationship began when Anthony was six years old. Jim, then the Director of Parks and Recreation in Ontario, CA, and his wife Cheryl, gave Anthony his first baseball glove, not knowing that in doing so, they were giving him so much more than a piece of sporting equipment. Anthony looked up to Jim, who would later become his high school baseball coach and continue providing the guidance, encouragement, and support he needed to succeed both on and off the field.
Jim helped to instill Anthony’s passion for serving others and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people. His influence helped shape not only Anthony's character, but also the vision behind the Anthony Muñoz Foundation. The Foundation's mission to impact youth mentally, physically, and spiritually is a direct reflection of the profound impact Jim had on Anthony's life.
To honor Jim & Cheryl’s lasting influence, the Foundation established the Jim & Cheryl Semon Impact Award in 2006. The award recognizes deserving members of the community who embody the Foundation's mission and values through their dedication to serving youth and strengthening the community, exemplifying all the positive qualities the Semons exhibited toward Anthony when he was growing up. As the inaugural recipient, Jim set the precedent for what the award represents, a legacy of selflessness, compassion, leadership, and service that continues to inspire the award's future recipients.
Jim leaves behind an indelible mark on our team, our community, and beyond. His influence can be seen in the more than 62,500 young people whose lives have been impacted by the Foundation since its beginning. We will be forever grateful for his guidance, generosity, support, and unwavering commitment to investing in others.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all who were fortunate enough to know and love Jim. His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he impacted, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.