James A. GEORGE

GEORGE, James A. Died May 31, 2017 shortly after saying good-bye to his longtime companion, Bridget Krmpotich.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Mabel (Snedeker) George; infant daughter, Nanette Ellaine George; wife, Daphne; and granddaughter, Lauren Banks. Jim is survived by his children, Denise (Rich) Johnson and Jim (Trish) George; grandchildren, Zach George, Trace George, Keli Ivey, Blake Keeton, Kristin Womack, Scott Banks and Matt Banks; great-grandchildren, Dalton Ivey, Baylor and Beckhette Keeton, Tateyn Womack, and Brooklynn Banks; sister, Lucy Smith; nieces and nephews Brad Smith, Kim Maxwell, Amber Lail, David Phelps and DeDe Peacock; "adopted" daughter, Gabriella Abril and grandchildren, Emmanuel, Nayeli, Fernanda, Santiago Tadeo and Rosella "Miamor" Medina; and last but not least, Bridget Krmpotich. He graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor's degree in education, and was President of the Delta Kappa Fraternity at ISU, the first of many leadership roles. Later in his career, he would participate in the Tucson Education Association, served as TEA President 1970-1971 and was elected as Arizona Education Association President in 1973. Proudly serving in the Army in the military police, he guarded the then top-secret atomic cannon at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Jim married fellow ISU graduate Daphne Strickler in Worthington, IN March 29, 1953. They began their 40 years of married life at Fort Sill. After starting his teaching career in Fort Wayne, IN., Jim moved his family to Arizona in 1956. His first teaching appointment was at CE Rose Elementary School. He also taught 5th and 6th grades at Cragin and Sewell, especially enjoying teaching history and science. The educational efforts continued at home, manifesting itself in countless trips to Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Monument, and stopping to see museums and national monuments wherever we were on the road. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was a favorite place to visit. For years, summer wasn't complete without a fishing trip to Minnesota or Canada. As a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, Jim loved singing in the choir and as part of a barbershop quartet. If there was a ruckus in the tenor section, he was probably involved. He was an active church member, served a term as President of the United Methodist Men at Desert Skies and helped with the church's Flea Market. Family, whether by virtue of blood or friendship, was important, as evidenced by the yearly summer return to Indiana to spend with grandparents and cousins. And by the 50+ year tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with the Wall family (John, Dolly, Barry, Jim, Dan, and Robin), who moved to Tucson at about the same time. After Daphne's death in 1993, Jim was fortunate to be reintroduced to another TUSD employee, Bridget Krmpotich. They enjoyed many years together socializing, traveling and cruising. Jim was delighted to become an "honorary Italian" as part of Bridget's extended family. Jim fought a decades-long battle with depression. When not depressed, he made it his mission to bring joy to others by making them laugh. He had a phenomenal memory for jokes, telling and occasionally playing them. Undoubtedly, he is now singing hymns and sharing jokes with the friends and family who have preceded him. Please join in a 2:00 p.m. memorial/celebration-of-life service Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Desert Skies United Methodist Church (Houghton and Ft Lowell). Come share your memories.