Coaches and members of the baseball community:
The IHSBCA would like to express its condolences to the family of Jennings County Head Baseball Coach BJ Sigler. Coach Sigler passed away last week and the details of his service are shared below. BJ was an essential piece to the life of baseball in the state of Indiana. He wasn't just a head baseball coach in our state, he was so much more.
As tribute to one of our brothers, the IHSBCA would like for all baseball coaches to honor BJ by turning on their field lights on the evening of Thursday September 17 and leaving them on all night, if possible. If your school does not have a lighted field, then please consider using the football lights as a secondary method for the honor. By leaving the field lights will serve as a reminder to all the players that BJ Sigler had an impact on and brightened their lives with the game of baseball.
K Bartlett "BJ" Sigler Obituary
K Bartlett “BJ” Sigler, 50, of North Vernon, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon.
BJ was born September 2, 1976, in St. Charles, Missouri, to Susan Kopp Sigler and the late Kennard Bartlett Sigler. He was a 1994 graduate of Providence High School. Following graduation, he attended Indiana University Southeast, where he played baseball. From there he went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He married his best friend, Kristi Green, on November 19, 2000, and together, they share two sons, Cole, 21, and Brycen, 16.
BJ was many things to many people–husband, father, son, brother, coach, mentor, fan, and friend– but above all, he was someone who genuinely cared about people. He was incredibly giving to anyone who needed help and was somebody who was able to make an impression on everybody he encountered. Anyone who knew BJ likely has a story or two about him, and those stories and memories of his generosity will be shared for years to come.
His family was his biggest pride and joy. BJ and Kristi were partners in every sense of the word, and he was her biggest supporter, often seen supporting her on the front row during basketball games. He was equally devoted to his sons, Cole and Brycen. While he had the opportunity to coach them, being their dad was always his greatest role. He loved watching them compete, celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging them through the tough moments, and watching them grow into the young men they are today. Whether he was coaching from the dugout or cheering from the front row, BJ was always their biggest fan and took tremendous pride in his family.
Baseball was one of BJ’s greatest passions, but it was never just about the game. He used baseball as a way to bring people together and build a community. He started the Panther Baseball Club, creating something that grew into a lasting impact on many young athletes and families. BJ went on to become the head varsity coach of the Jennings County High School Baseball team, co-owner of Ohio Valley Sports Productions and Premier Sports, the Kentucky State and Southern Indiana Director of USSSA Baseball, a board member of Indiana Bulls Baseball, and a member of the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association. Through every role, BJ continued doing what he did the best, bringing people together, opening doors for young athletes and giving his time, energy and resources to help others succeed.
BJ was a passionate Oklahoma athletics fan, and he could often be found watching a game in his living room or in the best stadium seats he could find. He also loved older country music, a cold Diet Coke, and his mom’s Chex Mix. These simple things were just part of who BJ was and are some of the things his family and friends will always remember and smile about. He will be deeply missed, but the memories, stories, and little things that made BJ who he was will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Until we meet again, BJ. Boomer Sooner.
BJ is survived by his wife, Kristi; sons, Brycen Sigler and Cole Sigler, both of North Vernon; mother, Susan Sigler of Jeffersonville; brother, Steve Samples of Jeffersonville; sisters, Gina Sigler of Jeffersonville and Dawn McCarthy of Louisville, Kentucky ; mother and father-in-law, Roy Ivan and Wanda Green of North Vernon; sister-in-law, Robin (Don) Coquerille of North Vernon; nieces, Lacie (TJ) Newton of North Vernon, Maria McCarthy of Portland, Oregon and Kaci McCarthy of Jeffersonville; nephews, Jacob Samples of Sellersburg and Zachary (Savannah) Coquerille of Rocky Face, Georgia; and great-nieces and nephews, Emma Newton of North Vernon, Hudson Coquerille and Adam Coquerille, both of Rocky Face, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kennard, and a nephew, Jared Samples.
Funeral services for BJ will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in North Vernon with the Rev. Kendall Wildey officiating. The visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in North Vernon and 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Burial will follow at the Vernon Cemetery, Vernon.
Memorials may be given to the Jennings County High School Baseball Program. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of K Bartlett "BJ" Sigler, please visit our floral store.
