Brownsville C James Ericson 78, of Brownsville, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, following complications from a stroke. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1937 to Alreck and Madelyn Ericson. He graduated from Galva High School in Galva, Illinois, in 1955. He subsequently studied as an undergraduate at Northwestern University and as a graduate student at the University of Iowa. In 1962 he moved to Brownsville, Texas, where he taught school for 40 years. He started at Faulk Junior High, where he met his future wife, Maria Garcia. He then taught at Brownsville High School, later Hanna High School. He was an enthusiastic and dynamic teacher and many of his students became his friends. He was an avid outdoorsman who travelled widely fishing and hunting, occasionally writing for sporting magazines.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alreck Ericson and Madelyn (Mallett) Ericson.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maria (Garcia) Ericson; a son, James A. Ericson; and a sister, Rebecca Ericson.

A memorial service will be held at Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral on Friday, May 13, at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name to the Coastal Conservation Association, http://www.joincca.org, are suggested.

Funeral services will be under the direction of Delta Funeral Directors, 1300 E. Harrison St., Brownsville. (956)542-2222

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Brownsville Herald on May 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ericson

Sponsored by Delta Funeral Directors - Brownsville.

73 Entries

angela e tufail (Bynum)

April 21, 2023

Live in B105. Had him for English in 1982-1983 .

Hector Vera

May 1, 2021

Unforgettable teacher.
It was an honor to take his English V

Dahlia R. Ybarra

May 1, 2021

Always in our hearts!! Inspired many of us to love and appreciate the arts. I think of him with every Eagles's songs, novels and art piece. Dearly missed!! RIP

Ben Champion

May 1, 2019

Deepest Sympathy to Mr. Ericson family he was a great teacher back when I was in high school.

Regina Bennett Hernandez

July 22, 2018

My name is Regina Bennett Hernandez and I am 63 years old and Mr. Ericson was my teacher over 40 years ago. I remember his class as if it were yesterday. He was the greatest teacher I ever had! I wish I could have told him that before it was too late. I don't live in Brownsville, so I did not know he had passed away until today. He taught me about literature, writing , art and music. I still think of his class. I went to college and became a teacher partly because of him. I always wished I could be even half of the teacher he was. I still read a great deal because I was taught by him to love literature. The last time I saw him I had just started teaching, and he was still teaching. I always wanted to look him up and thank him, but I never did. No words can express how sad I am that he is gone and that I never expressed how important his teaching was to me. I placed out of both semesters of the first year of college English because of his class.

He would always talk about his son in class. I think he was about 4 at the time. If you ever read this , be proud of your dad. He was a great teacher who cared about his students. However he also made class fun and would talk about the Cowboys and Elvis. He showed interest in all of his students.

The reason why I looked him up today was because of a poem I wrote about his class. I came across it in some papers today. Probably no one will understand it- unless they were in the same class. This was a long time ago and we read a lot of William Faulkner in his class. Three friends and I went out to take pictures of an old mansion one day. It reminded me of a plantation house in one of Faulkner's books.
Here's the poem:
In Memory of High School English

Leaves and branches scratched the roof
But closed within doors, we were safe
From the image of Faulkner's Sutpen seated upon his horse
supervising the building of the plantation.
The sky reeked blue
And the day spike of the heat.
However, the photographs could only hold a piece of the lives of four friends
Who-never again- would live- together- in the souls of
Hemingway, Faulkner, Twain, Camus
And their stories.

That was a long time ago,and I lost touch with my friends who were in his class. I have lived a good life with family and my husband and children. I taught for over 35 years before I retired. I hope my teaching inspired just one person the way he inspired me. I almost wish I had not seen this site, because I have always pictured him still teaching somewhere. Thank you for letting me pay a little tribute to him. I hope someone in the family reads this and realizes how much his life meant to so many. God bless your family.

Patricia Alarcon Missler

June 21, 2016

His former students are saddened with the news of his passing. Mr. Ericson was perhaps the very best teacher we ever had! Blessings and love to his family. He was a good soul.

Rosa Otzenberger

June 19, 2016

I am so blessed to have met such an amazing teacher. I learned so much about art, music and literature in Mr. Ericson's class. However, the Life lessons were the best. I am now a teacher and if I can be half as influential in my students' lives as Mr. Ericson was to his students, then I have done my job. Mr. Ericson will live forever in the stories I share with my students about my favorite teacher. He will also live forever in the stories I share with my children about a great man I'm honored to call my teacher. I was in his Eng 3 and Eng 5 classes.
I'm grateful for the lessons that will last a lifetime. "Old Rosa" (as He dearly called me) remains privileged to have crossed paths with such a wonderful husband, a loving dad, an outstanding teacher, and an amazing man. My prayers to the Ericson Family. ('89)

Gracie Fuentes Padua

June 13, 2016

Mr Ericson, I remember you as an awesome and inspiring teacher. My condolences to your family and your loved ones.

Martha Ledesma

June 9, 2016

"Starry, starry night..." he sang as he shuffled in his Wranglers and boots. I'll think of you always, Mr. Ericson. Thank you for being a light in my life.

Susana Sanchez

May 31, 2016

My condolences to the family of Mr. Ericson. His teachings and knowledge of art, music, literature and the interpretation of symbolism in movies will always stay with me and I will share what I learned from him with others. He was a quiet and sweet person that will never be forgotten.

Hector Vera

May 24, 2016

James Ericson, you will be missed! Thank you for nurturing my passion in American Literature.
Adios my good friend,
Hector Vera

Ben Champion

May 22, 2016

Rest in Peace Mr. Erickson and Deepest Sympathies to your family. I never had him as a teacher but knew that he was a very good and very fair teacher, that loved the outdoors.

May 18, 2016

Listening to the songs of artists like Roy Orbison and the Eagles and then analyzing them was by far some of the most enlightening experiences of my high school career. Learning the figurative language and converting it into literal meaning was always a "fun" thing to do in your class. Learning to appreciate the poetry and works of Dylan Thomas, Poe, T.S. Elliot and the art of Picasso, Dali, and Van Gogh molded me to the individual I am today. You taught me how to be a thinker, a learner, and a doer. I will never forget you and your wisdom. I always loved you for being "that" kind of teacher and still do. May you rest in peace and may the memory of YOU last forever.
-Jaime A. Lopez / Class of '89 / S.S. Dept. Hanna ECHS

Enrique Torres

May 15, 2016

Where do we start? Mr. Ericson's story doesn't have an end. As long as we remember him, he will not die. He lives in the art that we see, in the music that we hear, and in the memories that fill our hearts. When I heard of his passing I started to weep. All of a sudden I was that awkward teenage boy in his class. He was special and that was not an exaggeration. He used his love of the arts to teach us and we were blessed to sit in his class and laugh and learn. Some of his records were scratched, some of the art prints were faded but that didn't matter because with these tools he opened doors to places we never imagined existed. As I approach 50 this year, I realize what an impact you had in the lives of your "kids". We were and still are your kids. The comments in this section are a tribute to you because you rose above all others by teaching our minds and our hearts about the beauty of our world. Goodbye Mr. Ericson and please know that awkward teenage boy still loves his teacher.

May 15, 2016

Mr. Ericson may your influence and path you left in the many minds you inspired during your legacy at Hanna continue to inspire more minds to continue your ways of opening future English instructors like you open our minds with Vietnam in the back of our minds during the'60's my senior year of'69 my condolences to your Family GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE
Miguel Urbano '69 English V

May 14, 2016

Sincere condolences goes out tot he Ericson family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn your loss.

MIchael Parson

May 13, 2016

One of the few teachers I still think about while doing things in my daily life. He taught us how to listen to music and watch movies, how to appreciate art and how to think about the world around us.

There are pieces of music that I listen to from time to time to remind me of my time in his class. When I watch movies, I can hear his voice telling about the use of light and shadow and paying attention to how music can change the mood of the scene.

He's also why I answer the phone, "Bueno," when certain people's names show up on my caller ID.

Class of 1992

Mario Reyna

May 13, 2016

Mr. Ericson, to his loved ones my deepest condolence, may you know that there were few, if any, better than you. That pipe, seems it never left his hand. You were funny but would always get the lesson across. I thank you for the memories. I know you are with God, how can you not. You were fair and giving. You were also a pretty good basketball player. Rest in peace and I hope you knew that you made a difference to many, myself being one. class of '73.

Sylvia Garza

May 13, 2016

Mr. Ericson - you will never know what an impact you had on me when I was in high school. I learned so much from you..... because of your class I learned to love reading, writing and music....how to listen to music and understand the message. God bless you and thank you. May you have eternal rest - your work here was completed. My condolences to his family.

Sylvia Garza-Perez/ Class of 80

May 13, 2016

The name Ericson will always be synonymous with Hemingway, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, Vonnegut, Ellison, Bach, Mozart, Monet, Manet, Degas, Matisse, van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir, Cezanne and of course, Shakespeare.
With pipe in hand and his arms waving to the classical music on the record player as we entered his classroom, his students were transferred to a place far from the overcrowded school we attended in split schedules back in the 70s. This was not Brownsville, TX anymore. It was anywhere and everywhere that he took us that day.
His influence on so many is mind-blowing and jaw-dropping. He never wavered in the manner in which he taught, asking only that you come in for that hour and have an open mind to what he presented. For most of us, it was our first encounter with modern American novelists or Impressionist painters or composers from centuries past. But it lit something in each of us, giving us a new interest in a vast world that we were about to enter after high school.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Mr. Ericson. He gave us everything he had and did so with a joyful spirit. I know there is world of outdoor wonders awaiting your rods and reels and guns. And the Lord will now have a new buddy to share it all with.
My condolences to Mary and Jimmer Wild Man and Rebecca. You know he will always be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

My fondest regards,
Kevin Cromack

May 12, 2016

Mr. Ericson was an awesome teacher!
I had the pleasure of begin his student at Hanna High School and sad to hear of his passing.
Brownsville has really lost a great educator.
RIP
JJ DeLeon

May 12, 2016

Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.
Shannon L. Alder

Mr. Ericson left an imprint on many lives during his long academic career. The impact he had on his many students helped shape their lives. As many have stated, my appreciation of art, music and literature began after I crossed the threshold of room B109. His humor, enthusiasm and quick wit was unique and inspiring. I had many good teachers in my life, but none as influential as Mr. Ericson. I know that I am not alone in expressing a sincere sense of loss at his passing. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers, but having many fond memories of Mr. Ericson after spending 1 year in his classroom, I am comforted knowing that they must have a wealth of memories to comfort them. Thank you Mr. Ericson for showing us how to love learning; your legacy lives on in the lives of the many students you inspired.

Luis Saldana
Hanna High School Class of '91

Marlena Del Hierro

May 11, 2016

Mr. Ericson was a fabulous teacher at Hanna High School who introduced me to great classical music pieces and literature. I too feel blessed to have been his student and appreciated all he gave of himself in the classroom. My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ericson, he will be missed.

Zarana (Lozano) Jamison

May 11, 2016

I was blessed to have a class with Mr. Ericson. He was not the ordinary teacher. I remember him walking around the classroom with a smoking pipe in one hand and him waving the other as if he were conducting a music selection. He always wore blue jeans and boots. It was always a joy to be in his class because it wasn't the usual English Class where you had to learn proper grammar and write essays; he taught poetry, art, and classical music. It is because of him that a whole other world opened up for me and I was able to embrace all the aspects of his class. To this day every time I hear a classical piece I remember Mr. Ericson.
Thanks Mr. Ericson for sharing your Interpretations with us.

Zarana (Lozano) Jamison class of 92

RAUL ARTEAGA

May 11, 2016

HE BROUGHT THE WORLD TO THOSE OF US WHO CHOSE TO READ AND TO LISTEN TO HIS TALES.

HIS ENCOURAGING WORDS DEFINITELY MADE ME WANT TO READ AND LEARN ABOUT PLACES OUTSIDE THE VALLEY.

Sergio Martinez

May 11, 2016

I took Mr. Ericson's course back in 1997 and it was one of my favorite classes in all my high school career. I remember reciting Shakespeare, identifying the difference between Mozart and Bach, to breaking down the meaning of Hotel California. He showed me the beauty of the world and the intricacies of life and how through the arts and humanities, how really deep we are as a culture, and how magnificent life can be if we appreciate it. He was always keeping things light in the classroom and treated me with respect and as an adult. His teachings live with me everyday. Rest in Peace Mr. Ericson. You will be missed.

Sal Martinez

May 11, 2016

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven"...how awesome to take this verse, play the song in class and discuss it's meaning...that is teaching. That was Mr. Ericson! Rest in Peace sir and thank you for expecting more from us than we knew possible....

Antonio Briseno

May 11, 2016

He was my English teacher and I will always remember him as a true Renaissance man. So ahead of his time in education. I remember he would go see a movie at the Majestic theatre and he would give his thumbs up or down to Mr. Trevino as a form of critical review.
When Jeffrey Hunter played the role of Emiliano Zapata and we had a discussion in our class the next Monday, one of the girls made a comment that Jeffrey Hunter was not a good choice to play because,"Come on, a Mexican with green eyes?" Mr. Ericson, in his wisdom, very calmly answered, "My wife has green eyes and she is of Mexican heritage"
I really respected that man. I told him so every time I got to see him as the years went by. He was so happy to hear that I had received my Music Education degrees.
Education has lost a great teacher. My he rest in peace.
Love you Mr. E.

Iza Nieto

May 11, 2016

My condolences to the family. Mr. Ericson was my teacher in the year of 1989. He was the best. Teaching us about how to interpret music, playing on his record player that played Hotel California. He taught me of the many famous artist such as Modiglianiiiiii...He was an inspiration to me and all students. He would shuffle his feet through the classroom and say "arroz con pollo, as he carried a pointing stick that had a corn on the cob at the end of it. Such a great person, teacher. He will truly be missed. God bless

Ana Gomez

May 10, 2016

Though Mr. Ericson was not my high school teacher- I was able to work alongside the legend at HHS from 92-02....He was my teacher as I began my career in education & helped form me as I lead an amazing group of teachers as dept. chair. I earned my strips but did not regret it because I learned from the best. We left in silence the same year & I felt so honored as he gave me the best advice about life, family & career. We stayed in touch through the years through my husband ; Mr. Ericson was his customer at the local Ford dealership. I was always touched because he never failed to send a message and greeting to me. He was a great & lives in the millions of lives he touched...til we meet again! Prayers for family!

Joy Jones

May 10, 2016

Mr. Ericson always wanted more for us than we could imagine for ourselves. He gave us the opportunity to learn, grow, shine, and pay it forward. Thank you, Mr. Ericson, for the precious and priceless gift of your instruction and your time. You live on in my classroom and in our hearts -- always. ~ Joy Jones, (Class of 1974)

Judy Cuellar Lopez

May 10, 2016

Reading everyone's posts brought such a smile to my face. He touched us all and to this day we all can reminisce about Modigliani, The Glass Menagerie, Don McLean and on and on. I am still "Hoody" to many. Gee, thanks Mr. Ericson. His toilet paper hanging on his conductor's baton. His stories of Maria and Wild Man brought giggles to us all. I later became his supervisor when he was substituting and was thankful every time I got to sit and talk to him. To his family, my condolences to you. He never went a day without sharing with us how much he loved you. Thank you for sharing him with us. He taught us "kids" so much about literature and the arts and now we pass his message along to our children. I loved him dearly and will forever miss him.

May 10, 2016

THE INSTANT I HEARD OF MR. ERICKSON'S PASSING TEARS CAME TO MY EYES, AND THEY WELL UP AGAIN AS I TRY TO WRITE THIS. I, LIKE SO MANY WHO HAVE SENT THEIR CONDOLENCES (AND I AM SURE MOST IF NOT ALL OF HIS FORMER STUDENTS) REGARD HIM AS THE BEST ENGLISH TEACHER EVER AND AN AROUND GREAT MAN. I HAVE SUCH FOND MEMORIES OF HIM AND HIS CLASS. THE LAST TIME I SAW MR. ERICKSON WAS ABOUT 15 YEARS AGO, AND THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD SEEN HIM SINCE 1969.I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE HIM, AND YES, JUST THRILLED THAT HE REMEMBERED ME AND BY NAME. HE HAD A WAY OF MAKING FOLKS FEEL SPECIAL.

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY,

KELLY BARTON WINN (BHS CLASS OF "69)

Georgina Bochas Torres

May 10, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Ericson Family. Mr. Ericson was and will continue to be my favorite high school teacher. It is unbelievable how many lives he touched. Throughout the years and to this day, I remember him and think about my high school days in his class when I hear Hotel California. I have talked to my sons about how he was such a great teacher, funny, and how he taught me to appreciate art and music. My prayers to the family and may you find peace and comfort

Class of "88

Cindy Castro

May 9, 2016

My deepest condolences Mrs. Ericson. Mr. Ericson was one of my favorite teachers in highschool. His passion for the fine arts was extraordinary. I learned so much in his class that the study of arts in college was simple. I will never forget Hotel California, Dali, Picasso, etc.

Tom Daughters

May 9, 2016

Jim was not afraid to be a man.

Vivian Garza

May 9, 2016

Classroom B109...what can I say that hasn't already been said. So grateful for the gifts you shared with us. I can still hear you say "Modigliiiahhhhniii!" Eng V Class of' 90. R.I.P Mr. Ericson.

Dr. Christina Fernández De González

May 9, 2016

Dear Mary,
So sorry to hear about the untimely death of your dear husband, Jim. He was an amazing educator, great friend, dotting father, and devoted husband. Please know that I will keep you and your family close to my heart--- in thoughts and prayers---during these sad days. Christina

Dahlia Gonzalez

May 9, 2016

With my most sincere condolences to his family. Mr. Ericson was the most influential teacher I ever had and whom I remember all the time. He taught me the love of Literature, Art and Music; I even signed up for English 5 just to be in his class and learn more. He called me "dulce" because I always had some sort of candy in his class. He taught us so much!! Lying Eyes and Hotel California to name a few always takes me back to his class. I even tried to teach some of the works he taught us through my Reading classes. May you rest in peace knowing you made a difference in your students' lives!! We love you Mr. Ericson!! ❤ My condolences to his wife and son and all his family!! Prayers for all!!Sincerely, Dahlia (Ybarra) Gonzalez

Sergio Martinez

May 9, 2016

Sorry to hear about Mr. Ericson's passing. He was a great teacher and freind. May God Bless him and all the family.

Jere Light

May 9, 2016

Mary and Jimmer,
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Enjoyed hunting with him over he years.

Jere C. Light

Anna Muniz-McGuire

May 9, 2016

To The Ericson Family,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful, inspirational, giving, and loving man. As you can see his knowledge and love for music, art, reading, & poetry has spread all over the world, for he touched many of us. He taught us, challenged us, made us think, but also appreciate the many things this world has to offer. Because of him many of us inspired to do what we never thought was was possible, thought what we never imagined before.
Certainly a beautiful, amazing educator and person!
May he be dancing in heaven with all those he opened our world to-in his dancing boots!
Love and peace to you.

May 9, 2016

Thank you sir,

I can,t add anymore then what has already been said about this great man.

The quote in my yearbook (BHS 71) says it all for me about him and his sense of humor.. THE SWEAT ON THE EYEBROW AND THE FLURY OF THE PEN.

THANK YOU.

Daniel Guerrero

May 9, 2016

My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Ericson was one of the most influential, and inspirational teachers I had. I will always remember his cool and easy going style, he never seemed to be stressed about anything. Rest in Peace.

Dan Miller

May 9, 2016

From Don McLean to Vincent Van Gough toss some Janis Joplin in the mix and you have an English teacher that bought much more to the table then just the coarse. Mr Ericson was a mind opening teacher, challenged us to think outside the box. I hope every student has an opportunity to to experience a teacher of the caliber as Mr. Ericson.

Hortencia Vasquez

May 8, 2016

Thank you, Mr Ericson for being one of the best teachers. You not only made learning fun, but you provided endearing memories of my high school years, which I treasure dearly. My condolences to your loved ones. Until we meet again. ❤

Margie Poeske

May 8, 2016

I am so very sad to hear of Jim Ericson's passing. My deepest condolences to his family. I remember Mr. Ericson as a one-of-a-kind English teacher who had a magical ability to breathe life into his subject matter. On any given day, he might wield his artistry on poetry or lyrics or a favorite novel. From Bob Dylan to Dylan Thomas to Hemingway, Mr. Ericson would bring the written word to life for those of us lucky enough to be his students. He could teach the importance of conflict to a story line or maybe the meaning of a denouement; that part was easy. But he brought an added dimension to his classroom that was extraordinary. (It's hard to explain unless you were one of his students, and then you get this.) He was able to inspire his students to live better lives, to appreciate the world around them, to seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge. If there is a literary heaven somewhere, then it is my hope that Jim Ericson is there relaxing with a drink under the thorn tree with "Papa". Or dancing the night away at Gatsby's mansion. Or on the savannah with Francis McComber. Maybe puzzling over the meaning of a Dali with Picasso on his left and Chagall on his right. Surely, Tennessee Williams is there. (Hot cat on a tin roof, anybody?) The possibilities are endless. And that's just how it was in Mr. Ericson's class. Limitless. Thank you, Mr. Ericson. You will live in my heart forever.

any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

Margie Poeske
Class of '73
Roatan, Honduras

Arnold Gomez

May 8, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you, the Ericson family. He is and always will be my favorite teacher.

Laura Paredes Caffey

May 8, 2016

I'm 62 years old and Mr Ericson was my 9th grade English teacher 1968 - 1969. I so enjoyed his class and him. He truly left a lasting impression with me. My condolences to his family. Great man and role model. Laura Paredes Caffey.

Mary Henry

May 8, 2016

Mr. Ericson was the most inspirational teacher I have ever had. He influenced me to be more and do more... Prayers for his family.Mary Clayton-Henry

Evangelina Rosas Chavez

May 8, 2016

Mary,
I was so sorry to hear about
the loss of your husband.
My prayers are with you and
your son. Jim will be missed. May he rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.

Sharon Lemons

May 8, 2016

Dear Mary and Jim, MR. Ericson was my favorite and best English teacher. He made English Literature come alive. I am saddend to hear he is gone. I am praying for Jim and you. Please tell Jim that he was one of my favorite students. god Bless ans keep you.

May 8, 2016

My very deep condolences to the Ericson family. It is impossible to describe the doors of possibility and hope that Mr. Ericson opened for me. My learning in his class, from what he gave, laid the groundwork for so much of what I now know about reading, writing, thinking, teaching, and leading a life of meaning. I was very shy even into my adult years, and never said this to him, something I deeply regret. He was the only adult I knew who wanted me to join him in his thinking and who sought to join in mine. As far as I could see, he did that for all his students. Brownsville High School was so very lucky to have him for those years.
Anna Neumann
New York City
(BHS 1971)

Dr. Virginia Garza Miller. Class of '82

May 8, 2016

Tears came immediately upon hearing about the loss of Mr. Erickson. It's truly amazing what one special teacher can do to inspire students and Mr E did that for so many generations. He introduced the world of literature, music, and art to me and I know I wasn't the only one. We loved hearing stories of his beloved wife and son "Maria and Wild Man" that I knew I had to share my condolences to them because they, like he, became a part of our high school memories. Rest in Peace, Mr. Erickson and dance your way across the heavens. You will never be forgotten to so many generations of students and that will always keep you here with us.

Diane Galven Little

May 8, 2016

I'm deeply saddened to hear of his departure and your loss. Please know he lives on in the hearts and lives of the many of us whom he touched and inspired.

I have spoken of him quite often to my children and husband. As recently as this month when my 8th grader was reading "Catcher in the Rye."
I only wish my children could have a teacher like him in their lives.

He was loved by all and will be remembered with great fondness.

May you find peace and laughter in the many memories of him.

Blessings,
Diane Galvan Little
Eng VI and V student, Class of '78.

Leticia Reyna

May 8, 2016

Rest in peace to my favorite, of all favorites teacher that inspired many of us that had the opportunity of becoming one of his students. I took English IV and V just to be in his class again during my senior year. They certainly don't make teachers like you anymore, but I was fortunate enough to have had you and appreciate you even more because your love for the fine arts live on through many of us that were fortunate to have had you! Heaven is a much better place with angels like you...

Randy Davis

May 8, 2016

I was in high school when Jim started teaching at BHS. I never had him for a teacher, but hunted and fished with him from the 70's until a few years ago. He was a man's man and one of the nicest outspoken guys I've ever known, you always knew where Jim stood on any issue. The world lost a really great guy and heaven became a better place. My heartfelt condolences to Mary and Jimmer.

Monica Martinez

May 8, 2016

I wanted to send my deepest condolences to the family. I also wanted them to know how grateful I was for having known Mr. Ericson. He was my 11th and 12th grade AP English teacher. I learned so much from him, including an appreciation for art and poetry. He opened up a whole new world for me. To this day, when I visit museums (which is often), I recall what I learned from him. I now work with eductors all over the world, and when I showcase a tool called Google Art Project (database of museum artifacts and paintings), I always mention my teacher Mr. Ericson and how my passion for art began with him.

He infected many with his love for music, art, and poetry. He always made his students laugh with his quirky personality, silly facial expressions, dance moves, and left field comments. You will be missed by many Mr. Ericson. May you rest in peace, dance in the heavens, and forever smile :)

Lety Coronado

May 7, 2016

You made learning fun, interesting @ challenging. Thank you for always inspiring us to reach for our goals. U will b missed. Prayers for ur family. RIP Mr. Ericson.

Pat Mata Bodet

May 7, 2016

You were an inspiration to us all.

Maribel Baena-Guerra

May 7, 2016

Mr. Ericson, Thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of art and for introducing me to all the classics that I love to read. Enthusiastic, positive attitude are just a few words that describe the teacher that you were. I remember how you sang in class and the wonderful stories you'd share about how you met your wife. Rest in Peace! My sincere condolences to Mrs. Ericson and her family. God Bless you and comfort you.

Belle Buitron

May 7, 2016

Thank you for being ONE of my INSPIRATIONS to be an English teacher...my condolences to his family. Truly was ONE of a kind!

Mark Blanton

May 7, 2016

Mr. Ericson, you were the one who really inspired me to want to become an English teacher, and your class was a large part of my inspiration in creating the curriculum I use now.

Now that my own students are coming back as teachers, I know that a little of that inspiration will carry on to a new generation through them.

I'm so sad to hear that you've left us, but please know: you are still important. Through me, and through your other students, and through our students, your influence still matters.

Thank you, Mr. E.

Lori Butcher Rheiner

May 7, 2016

After having Mr. Ericson as my teacher my junior year, I added English 5 to have another year with him. His love of family was apparent as he spoke of his wife and son often. From the music, Beatles, Bach, Eagles, to art, Modigliani, Picasso and Chagall and the books, Madame Bovary and the Great Gatsby, and authors like Hemingway and e.e cummings. What an amazing teacher Mr Ericson was. He opened up "the world outside B109"! My prayers are with his family and loved ones. Best teacher ever!

Craig Clendenin

May 7, 2016

Mr. Ericson was absolutely the best teacher a student could ever imagine. He opened up the world of literature to so many people in such an innovative and fun way...from trying to interpret the lyrics to "American Pie" to the symbolism in "The Glass Menagerie". There will never be another one like him. He will be missed. My condolences to the Ericson family for you loss.

Greg Esparza

May 7, 2016

Sincere condolences to a dedicated and professional teacher much- loved by his students.

Lisa Bennett

May 7, 2016

One of the most memorable teacher I ever had. So many wonderful memories. Prayers and thoughts to his family, know that he was loved by so many... Lisa 'Bennett' Chinappi

Linda Garza Roberts

May 7, 2016

Mr.Ericson was my favorite high school teacher. We loved him and his class. My condolences and may God grant you peace and comfort. Linda Garza Roberts.

Jessica Garcia Roberts

May 7, 2016

I'm deeply saddened to get word that my favourite high school teacher has passed on. Mr Ericson did not teach a test; he showed us his love and appreciation for literature, art, and music. His sense of humour was a constant presence in his discussions. He made my two years (I signed up to take English V senior year just to have him as my teacher again) in room B109 a wonderful world full of Rembrandt, rock and roll, Schubert, literary motifs, and Woody Allen. I like to think that he inspired me to become an English teacher, and he definitely had an influence in my use of music in the classroom. Thank you for being that cool and unorthodox teacher. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Mr Ericson. Xx

Mary Miller

May 7, 2016

Mr. Ericson was my English V teacher and the class gave me a preview of what college and adulthood would be like. Gone were the moral judgements of the Novel characters. He helped me see the characters just as they were, in their contexts. Thank you, Mr. Ericson. We loved you then, and love your memory.

Margie Comstock

May 7, 2016

Words in books came alive when spoken by Mr. Ericson. His voice gave meaning to sentences, paragraphs, chapters, books. I loved his class. He was the best teacher I ever had. He will always be a part of my memories. Rest in peace and may God comfort your family.

Darryl Stinson

May 6, 2016

I actually added English 5 class to my senior year just to have another year with him. He was by far the most influential teacher of my life. God bless.

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