Coach Bryant’s teaching journey began at Cooley High Upper Grade Center from 1965 to 1967, where he committed himself to empowering inner-city youth. He continued to shape young minds at Betsy Ross for three years and Hyde Park Career Academy for another three years. In 1973, he found his professional home at Simeon Career Academy, where he dedicated 22 years of service as a teacher, coach, and mentor.

A true sports enthusiast, Coach Bryant’s love for athletics extended beyond the classroom. At Simeon, he coached football, basketball, and track, fostering discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in his students. In 1970, he discovered a passion for tennis, teaching himself the game with the same determination that defined his life. His love for sports, including his early enthusiasm for bowling, symbolized his lifelong commitment to active living and personal growth.

Throughout his career, Coach Bryant’s unwavering dedication to education and athletics touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. He believed in the transformative power of mentorship and self-discipline, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served. Beyond the classroom, Coach Bryant was recognized as one of the most successful innovators of junior tennis development in the United States.

He was the Founder and CEO of Love To Serve, Inc. Tennis and Education Foundation (LTS), a comprehensive youth development program for those in under-resourced communities in Chicago. Through LTS, Coach Bryant provided free tennis lessons, college readiness assistance, physical fitness, and a spirit of competition. His vision extended beyond athletics; he sought to create a safe space for young people to grow and reach their fullest potential..

Coach Bryant’s extraordinary legacy is reflected in the numerous accolades and awards he earned for his unwavering commitment to empowering young people to achieve their goals. He was named Tennis Industry’s Junior Development Champion of the Year and honored with the prestigious Eve Kraft Community Service Award for his exceptional work in developing tennis programs that reached over 10,000 youth throughout the Chicagoland area. Under his visionary leadership, Love To Serve was recognized as “Organization of the Year” by the Chicago Tennis Patrons on more than five occasions, a true testament to his dedication and profound impact on the community. Additionally, Coach Bryant was inducted into the Chicago Tennis Patrons Hall of Fame and created countless opportunities for youth and adults alike by providing tennis coaching jobs to hundreds.

Coach Bryant was more than a teacher and coach; he was a pillar of his community, a man of integrity, and an inspiration to all who knew him. Coach Bryant is survived by his wife, Lori James; stepdaughter, Imani James; stepson, Amir James; sister, Cheryl Diane Braddock; nephew, Antonio Braddock; aunt, Marlene Barbary; a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins; seven grandchildren; his daughter, Keva Bryant; his son, Jon Hall-Bryant; and his extended

Love To Serve family.