I cannot express the sadness I felt hearing of Jim’s death. It was a privilege to have worked “side by side “as his teaching partner in history. He was just one of a kind. He shared his experience teaching history with me gladly . I was replacing a teacher that he had taught with for many years. She had died suddenly.in the middle of school year. It was a very sad time for the school and of course for Jim.But he was such a professional .He dove right into mentor me. He made it much easier for me by just being Jim. We both had to work very hard but it was his rye sense of humor that made it made it a joy. He became a friend. We often shared space because our two classrooms were connected by a movable wall. He shared his love of family with so often that I felt like I knew them before I even met them.I often kidded him about being surrounded by women. He was a truly respected teacher. The students he taught will never forget Mr. Smith. We use to a shared geography mapping.

He was just excellent in mapping. So I use to moderate giving directions while he mapped on the “overhead.” We use to joke that it worked so well that we were going too”take it on the road.”

My husband I would run into him once and awhile after he retired and it was always a pleasure to see he and Joan.

It truly impossible to think of the world without Jim, a very good man and one of the kindest I was privileged to work with. God Bless you, my friend. May you Rest In Peace.

My deepest sympathies to Joan, Amy and all his Grandchildren.

Joan Blaschak

and Dan