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James McBiles Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James McBiles
Linda and Bob Russsman
March 8, 2022
Larry was such a good friend of ours, and we miss him very much. He died much too early, and we wish he were still here as our neighbor and close friend.
Robert Russman
March 6, 2021
We think about Larry often and still miss him alot. He was a great friend.
Yvonne & Josie Holguin
September 5, 2011
Just now finding out of our loss, and I'm so sad at a life taken from us soo young. Mom and I ran into Larry less than two years ago, 2009, after about 25 years. He saw my mother and almost fell out of his seat trying to reach for her. "Mrs. H, Mrs. H" he said loudly. With that beautiful smile and love in his voice my mom and I said, "Larry!" We talked for at least an hour non-stop. We were all tickled to remense about our Ajo times. He talked about his on-going studying (never knew he was a dr.), the church that he loved soo much, Kellie (who he knew I had gone to school with), and he expressed how much he looked-up, and loved my mother.
Just thinking about Larry, makes me smile. We will always carry him close to our hearts. Our condolances to his family. Love and peace always.
Debbie Bjorna
April 28, 2011
I have just heard from a friend about the passing of Dr McBiles. I had the good fortune to have worked with Dr McBiles many times and always found him to be inspirational and kind. His contributions to the field of education at all levels were enormous. Dr McBiles touched thousands of lives and made this world a better place. We have lost an education treasure. My condolences to his family.
Kori P
March 23, 2011
Larry was a wonderful teacher. He changed the way I now teach for the better. He was a caring man. I am sad and will miss him.
Pauline Rudloff
March 18, 2011
Dr. McBiles will be greatly missed in this world. He was a great teacher and educator who made a difference in the lives of Arizona teachers and students. May he rest in the palm of God's hand.
Laurel Kimball
March 17, 2011
I was so sorry to miss Larry's memorial service because I had to be out of town. I will always remember Larry's smile and his dedication to students and good teaching. He truly made a difference and helped to improve the quality of classroom instruction in Arizona.
Alli Day
March 16, 2011
I didn't think that the state of education could get any worse in Arizona, but I was wrong; today I read of the passing of Larry McBiles. He not only made me a better teacher; he continues to make me WANT to be a better teacher and a better human being.No one will fill his shoes. I only met him twice but what an impact he made on my life. That's a legacy! Rest in peace Mr. McBiles and may God bless and watch over your many family and friends who are grieving your passing.
dave gonzoles
March 16, 2011
Ij the breif time I met Larry her was a joy and a leader to look up to. He will be missed. Unfortunatly, he never mentioned an illness of any sort so this news came as an absolute shock. He will be missed and now rests in the company of God.
Anna Seaver-Martin
March 16, 2011
The first time I met Larry, I was a fifth grader and he was in Jr. High. Even then, Larry's enthusiasm for life and learning stood out from all the other children. You just knew he was going to be someone who mattered and touched many lives...and so he did.
It has been many years since we grew up and left that dusty little town in the desert behind. Still, the memories of Larry's infectious laughter and sheer joy of life remain with me. His personality was larger than life and he always made you feel special.
My deepest condolences to the McBiles Family.
Rest well old friend, until we see you again.
Theresa Wines
March 16, 2011
I was honored and inspired to attend a training featuring Larry when first entering into teaching. His enthusiasm and joy confirmed my choice to become a teacher. His sheer passion for the profession will be greatly missed in the academic community. May our thoughts and prayers be with his family in the aftermath of his loss.
Suzanne Witmer
March 15, 2011
I have often thought of one training session with Larry. While he was presenting, the shrill sound of a fire engine filled the room. Larry paused and said that he always liked to stop and say a little prayer for the person who may be in need of help in that emergency. And, he did just that, silently and without a fuss. It was awesome... a man with such presence and power, just caring.... YOu were a good friend and a caring listener, Larry. The educational world lost a true hero and I lost a true friend!
March 15, 2011
Larry was the best professional development presenter...and his presentations were the only times I have actually enjoyed professional development!
Paula Vaughn
March 15, 2011
I will never forget the first time I met Larry. It was my first day in our DELTA doctorate class and I remember thinking he reminds me of Tim Robbins. In fact, he had us give him feedback on the first day and I told him that. He read it to the class the next day and everyone laughed. Larry was so full of energy and passion for education I wanted him to bottle it up and sell it. He became my mentor and friend. He was on my dissertation committee and without Larry's dedication and persistence, I don't think I would have ever finished. He taught me everything I know about performance based assessment and to this day, I begin with the "end in mind." There will never be another human being like Larry who has inspired so many educators to pursue their dreams and challenged us to become better teachers and professors. I echo others messages, he will me missed.
Georgia Brousseau
March 15, 2011
I met Larry through the original Solutions Teams Project. He was a gifted, brilliant, and inspirational leader who really understood what education and educational leadership was all about. He made such a deep impression on me as I continued with the teams. He was frequently connected with schools needing assistance where I knew people, and the respect he engendered was remarkable. He was far too young to leaave this earth, and we needed him in this state in particular. God give you rest, Larry.
Wendy Peterson
March 15, 2011
Larry challenged all of us to be our best and to give our best to benefit students. He honored this challenge himself. To say the educationl community has a monumental void would be an understatement. May the many he taught continue to carry his message and fulfill his mission. May his parents, family, and friends find God's comfort and peace during this time of shock and sorrow.
Matthew Post
March 15, 2011
I didn't know Larry very well. I just remember the enthusiasm and passion he had for education. His sense of humor and knowledge far surpassed his years in teaching. I will miss him a great deal and want his family to know that I am thinking and praying for them.
DaNeil Olson
March 14, 2011
I first met Larry in 2000, while on an Arizona Mining Association (AMA) tour of the Pinto Valley Mine. This experience was so phenomenal that I continued to take any an all workshops offered by AMA and AFRE (Arizona Foundation for Resource Education). Then, in 2005, Larry invited me to become a member of the AFRE faculty. I had never been so thrilled or so scared in my life. The chance to work so closely with Larry, a man who’s passion for education was infectious, as well as the other faculty members who were science gurus in their own right was an unprecedented educational opportunity. I jumped at the offer but also wondered what contribution I would make to a team that focused on science, when language arts was my educational speciality. It was not until years later that I recognized in myself what Larry had recognized in me when he invited me to be a part of his team. That was Larry’s gift as an educator. He saw the potential in people, sometimes before they could see it in themselves. His passion for quality education made me a better teacher and through me impacted Arizona’s children and future.
March 14, 2011
You began as a mentor and became a friend. Your charm, wit and humor are going to truly be missed.
Sharon Herring
March 14, 2011
I can't believe that I will never again have the good fortune of attending one of Larry's trainings. He made a profound impact on our school Mission View and on me. He will forever be a part of what I do as a Teacher and Teacher Coach.
Doug Cline
March 14, 2011
My students were taught about the importance of mining, copper, and the history of Arizona through what I learned with Dr. McBiles and the mining workshops. Half the fun of the mining field trips and workshops was interacting with Dr. McBiles.
March 14, 2011
I would like to correct my earlier message. The correct address for Larry's foundation is Center for Teacher Success, 141 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Linda Russman, Phoenix, AZ
Judi Gentry
March 14, 2011
Larry was a character. A gifted charmer, he was a master entertainer who tirelessly delivered his message of optimism for the profession of education, teachers, and students. He understood the value of humor; he had a knack for surrounding himself with people with big personalities (but never as big as his!), and putting them to work spreading the message that each of us holds the power to make a difference in the world of kids and teaching. To this day, I defend the importance of mining (especially copper) after taking a copper and education class from Larry. I had the pleasure of working for him and the AZ Mining Association teaching teachers for a few summers. He made us laugh so well and so often, that I can't think of those times without smiling. What a gift he gave to those of us who knew him. He chose to dance in life, and I am sure he is still dancing in heaven. Blessings and prayers to his family.
Doug Rutan
March 14, 2011
I have brought Larry's teachings to two Arizona school districts. His wisdom will carry on. He was an amazing gift to Arizona education. He will be missed.
Sonja
March 14, 2011
A phenomenal, inspirational, and joyful person was he and shall remain in my eyes. I shall walk the walk in honor of this great person who only wanted teachers to teach with such creativity and rigor and to expect all children to succeed.
Marcus Berkshire
March 14, 2011
I was saddened to hear that Dr. McBiles had passed away. He was an inspiration to me and many of my colleagues. His gift in communicating and connecting to adult learners always left me in awe and wishing I had that same gift. The education world has lost a wonderfully talented individual, but my hope is that his passion will be carried on by all of those whom he touched through the years.
Dawn (Parrish) Church
March 14, 2011
I had "Mr. McBiles" as my 5th grade teacher in 1979. I consider him the teacher that made the biggest influence on my life and remember him so fondly. His lessons have been with me for almost my entire lifetime and even MY children know him by name. So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was an asset to the world around him and will be missed greatly.
March 14, 2011
Larry was an inspiring, knowledgeable and passionate educator who valued teachers and understood their desire to teach to the best of their abilities. He was compassionate as well and had an open heart, creating a learning environment at his conferences that were professional, stimulating-- and lots of fun. He will be missed-- but his gift for inspiring educators will live on. Patricia Allen-LaFleur, Prescott
Kay Sever
March 14, 2011
Larry and I worked together on Arizona Mining Association public relations and teacher education from 1994-1999. We stayed in touch for years after that. His enthusiasm for and dedication to the mining industry and its impact on the economy was extraordinary. Our industry will forever benefit from his teaching programs, which left a lasting mark on teachers and students in Arizona and across the country. Hopefully his wonderful work will continue for many decades. He will truly be missed by so many that were impacted by his life and his life's mission.
Kari Neumann
March 13, 2011
Dr. McBiles was a gift to Arizona's students. Learning from him was exciting and memorable. Nobody can replace Dr. McBiles, but to honor him we all have to give our best to our students every minute of every day.
Allyson Van Voris
March 13, 2011
I was shocked when I heard of the untimely death of Mr. McBiles. He was such a kind man and an inspiration to me and others in the education field. We have lost someone who truly was out to make a difference. Thank you for your sincerity, your honesty and your enthusiasm.
Stewart Robinson
March 13, 2011
As a long time resident of Villa Del Coronado, Larry's guidance and consul will be sadly missed. Goodbye dear friend.
Gerri Kosciuk
March 13, 2011
Larry, you are so missed by so many. I had the privlege of being in class with you in the eighties, and having you as a doctoral instructor a few years later and then to be in training with you on several occasions just a short time ago in the Isaac district. As someone said earlier, you made everyone feel like a special person and with the hundreds of friends and colleagues you had you never seemed to forget anyone. I'll miss your hugs and your never ending smile, your compassion for children and education along with your wonderful sense of humor. With tears streaming down my face I say, "Good-bye for now", but we will meet again because I know you are explaining to God, as I write, what has to be done here on earth to get our children the best education possible.
Sandra Willwater
March 13, 2011
I was so sorry to read that Dr. McBiles had passed away. Larry was so passionate about education. He will be missed by those who knew him, and he will certainly continue to have a positive influence on many he never met. He was truly a very special person.
Sandra
Cyndi Bailey
March 13, 2011
Dr. McBiles I will miss you on our flights in the morning. You always made me smile! Thanks for that!!!
Susan Taylor
March 13, 2011
What a great inspirational leader in education and life. He put the child back into education, and we all are better for it. He will be greatly missed!
Terry Cook
March 13, 2011
I'm very saddened by the passing of Larry, my neighbor and friend. He was a great character. He always had a smile and kind comments whenever I saw him around the Villa. My deepest sympathy for his parents and brothers for their loss.
Mary Graf
March 13, 2011
*In memory of our favorite Ajo-Irishman*
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Larry had a unique way of mixing hard work and joy together, so often sharing the song in his heart with the rest of us. Dance with God, Buddy, dance with God.
Shayla Taylor
March 13, 2011
Larry always made me feel like the neatest person in the room. He had a gift for making all of us feel like that. He reminds me of the importance of passion in life and humor. "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care". Larry cared and we knew it! What a sad day it is for education.
My heart, prayers, and hugs go out to his family-- your son and brother was like a beacon of light to me when I was lost in the storm...
Love and miss you already, Larry! <3
Mindy Udall
March 13, 2011
My condolences to your family.
Dr. McBiles-Thanks for your enthusiasm and dedication to the "art" of teaching. I worked with you in several inservices throughout the year and your passion was contagious! You will be missed.
Bette Stoker Ulshoffer
March 13, 2011
Donna Sue and Bradley, I was so sorry to read about the death of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Bette Stoker Ulshoffer
Patty Tofani (Baize)
March 13, 2011
Larry's was a life with worthwhile focus, determination and success. He was always understanding and compassionate, but allowed no room for mediocrity. His was a life lived with passion, and a life that was certainly too short in the eyes of his loved ones left here. His memory will live on in the thousands that he taught & touched.
Love the picture of him posted above; it makes me smile...classic Larry.
Lisa Harper
March 13, 2011
Larry made a difference in my professional life. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Cathy Poplin
March 13, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of this man who touched the lives of so many educators in AZ. Larry was a generous person and will be missed. His humor and passion were his trademark.
Laurie Doering
March 12, 2011
Larry was a passionate,exceptional presenter who was admired and respected immensely. He will be missed.
Arianne Shafer
March 12, 2011
Larry was currently in the process of helping our teachers at Litchfield Elementary write our special areas curriculum maps and was truly an inspiration for all of us! I only knew him for a short time, but was drawn to his passion for education right from the start. May god bless you and your family.
Robert Russman
March 12, 2011
Larry has been our friend for many years. He lived in our building (140). We enjoyed going to dinners and Villa Spring Flings. He always enjoyed coming to our apartment for Linda's home cooked meals. We will miss him but we know that he is in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. The professional teaching world has lost a great asset
Bob Russman (from Virginia)
Eric Proctor
March 12, 2011
My thoughts to his family and friends during this difficult time. I was fortunate to work for Larry for a short time and I will always remember those moments. The time I spent with Larry made me a better teacher and a better person. He will be missed.
Rayette Vaughn (Phillips)
March 12, 2011
My sincere condolences to all of Larry's family-Donna Sue, Brad, Bill, Scott,Coozie, Kink, and Kellie in particular. I, too, am so saddened.
If I may, I would love to honor Larry and his life by reflecting and sharing some thoughts and fond memories:
I think most would agree that Larry is one of a kind! As I recall, I met Larry when I was in the sixth grade and he was in the 8th. He would come to say hello after school to one of his previous yet a faorite teacher, and my current teacher at the time- Mrs. Garrison. We soon developed a friendship and discovered we both had a love for learning in common.
I finally caught up to Larry in high school and he helped me acclimate to my freshman year. We were both in student council and it was then that I came to know and love him like a big brother. I have so many fond memories of Larry and our friendship. I remember how I enjoyed going to his grandparents with him to visit 'Mamo.' I remember meeting his niece Kellie for the first time (at Mamo's) when she was about 4, and how she could carry on a conversation like she was an adult-wearing tiny little red boots. Larry adored her, and she was about as cute as they come he would say. Kiddingly, he would often sweep me off my feet and swrill me around dancing; I would be laughing too hard to feel much sympathy when he would suddenly stop, drop me and then complain about his 'aching' back.
As time went on and I was starting colledge in one town and he was finishing up in another, I remember returning to Ajo for a visit and being invited to either Barbara Kelley's classroom where Larry was student teaching or perhaps it was his first year in teaching.... This was my first and only time I observed him in a 'teacher's' role. He was absolutely brilliant and most charming. I recall every one of those little fourth graders being engaged, behaving with absolute good manners, raising their hands appropriately, excited about what they were learning, and most important-I could tell how much Larry cared that his little students experience and see the richness and value of knowledge and learning.
I can only imagine what it must have been like learning from Dr. McBiles as an adult in the university setting. I can also only imagine what a wonderful colleague he has been to the many that knew him as professor, consultant, administrator...... But, for those of us who knew him growing up and before he was to become Dr. James L. Mc Biles, we knew Larry as 'Yay'-and I don't even know if I am spelling that correctly or where that term of endurement came from-unless it was how Bill pronounced 'Larry' when he was little and everyone just followed suit. Regardless, we knew that 'Yay' would turn the world upside down no matter where he took his ambitions, talents and passion for life-long learning. I consider my friendship with Larry, albeit over 30 years ago, such a special treasure. I look forward to laughing and dancing again with him someday.....
Jim Pacek
March 12, 2011
I met Larry in 1999 and was in awe of his ability and intellect. In 2000, I was given the opportunity to work by his side as a consultant with the Arizona Mining Association. I will forever value the knowledge and skills I learned from him. He is a true giant in the field and his leadership and contributions to education will be missed.
Ellie & John Walters
March 12, 2011
Our love to Larry's family. Larry was a wonderful neighbor. We send you our prayers for your sorrowful journey. May God bless you.
Linda Russman
March 12, 2011
Larry was a wonderful friend to my husband and me. We were neighbors and good friends, and we shall miss him terribly. Please note that his family has asked that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made to his foundation, the Center for Teacher Success, 114 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Ellie & John Walters
March 12, 2011
Our love and prayers to the family. We know sudden loss is so very difficult. Larry was our neighbor and such a dear friend. May God bless you as you walk this sorrowful journey.
L Spencer
March 12, 2011
Truly an intelligent, wonderful teacher! He will certainly be missed by those who knew him. May his family be comforted by knowing he was loved and appreciated by many. Peace be with you.
Rob Iannone
March 12, 2011
I am proud that he gave me the opportunity to work for him. I remember all the fun times we had teaching teachers about copper in Arizona. I learned a lot from him about how to teach. He will be missed dearly in the education field. He will be hard to replace because of his knowledge of how students learn, love for education and his humor. I know the Lord will take care of him.
Rob Iannone
Sonya
March 12, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of such a brilliant mind. I will truly miss his wit and wisdom.
Sonya Gronning
Mary McBride
March 12, 2011
It will be difficult to imagine Arizona Educational Leadership without Dr. McBiles. He will remain an inspiration to all of us and his legendary energy and passion will be related to others in the educational field for many years to come. We all mourn this enormous loss to our professional community.
March 12, 2011
A true friend to all who knew him! Such a brilliant mind that he shared
within the educational environment. Another angel in heaven. Will be
missed by all. Rest in peace. Carl Veit and David McMahon
Katie Lewis
March 12, 2011
I was lucky enough to work closely with Larry for the AFRE "Make it Happen" action research program a few years ago. Larry was such an icon in educational leadership and professional development. His knowledge, expertise, and humor will never be forgotten!
Debra Gross
March 12, 2011
I so enjoyed the workshops Larry presented. He was smart, funny, and a wealth of knowledge. My deepest sympathies to the McBiles family. The earth is a bit dimmer with this loss, but the heavens have a shining star.
Christine Trujillo
March 12, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Larry's family. He spoke of his family often and his love for you was clear. He was such a passionate educator. He knew how to connect with teachers and administrators. He challenged all of us to think, learn and do better for our students. I will miss my joyful friend. A tremendous loss for education and for all whose lives he touched.
Martha Peed
March 12, 2011
Our hearts and prayers are with the family. We loved Larry very much.
Christine Wilfong
March 12, 2011
I learned so much from Dr. McBiles, he was inspirational and gifted. God Bless
Gail Lichtenhan
March 12, 2011
One of the most important contributions Larry made to those in education was HOPE for the future of our profession, our teachers, and our students. His enthusiasm for education had no bounds, and his influence has changed countless lives. He got great satisfaction knowing he made a difference. I'm sad that he is gone.
Bernadette Lissner
March 12, 2011
No one was more passionate about education than Larry. He was giving and willing and intriguing. I will miss his physical presence.
Sharon Schiesser
March 12, 2011
You were a great inspiration to us all. You taught a lot of people many great things. I believe you to be one of the finest people I have met.
You will be missed
March 12, 2011
You've been an inspiration to our profession for many years. We can't have enough passionate people in education and you led the way.
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