Sailors served in the Marines for two years (1943-45) before returning to UW and once again earning All-American honors for the 1946 season.

He later served as a hunting and fishing guide in the Jackson area and then in Alaska before moving back to Laramie about 10 years ago, following the passing of his wife, Marilynne.

While in Alaska, Sailors coached high school girls basketball and is credited with introducing the state’s first girls state tournament. He led Glenallen High School to three consecutive girls state championships and a 68-game winning streak during his time as head coach.

“The thing that’s he’s known for is he’s the guy who created the modern jump shot,” Brandenburg said. “It’s been a long time that he’s done this, and I think now the whole world is starting to wake up and realize that he is the creator of the modern jump shot. But he is much more than that. He was just a great human being. He’s done a lot of good wherever he’s lived.”

After returning to Wyoming, he became a regular at the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie.

He often frequented practices and served as a mentor to student-athletes.