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James Zumwalt Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Zumwalt
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Robert S
March 26, 2020
Absolutely the best teacher I ever had. He showed that -- dark glasses on -- history has two sides.
Janice Heaton-Norton
January 12, 2018
Mr. Zumwalt was the best teacher or professor I ever had. I graduated in 1971. I took his African American Studies class and another class as well. He introduced me to James Baldwin's writings. He explained the early Women's Liberation Movement and he wrote a recommendation for my application to nursing school. My father was a History and Civics teacher down the road at El Cajon High and tho they were very different politically, my dad had so much respect for Jim. I am 65 years old and still think of him and how he contributed to my ability to think independently. I was not highly motivated at this time of my life, but LOVED his classes and excelled. He changed my life.
I think he would be tickled to know I married a UC Berkeley grad!
Whenever Martin Luther King weekend rolls around I think of him and thank him for opening my eyes.
This is what a great teacher does.
Kirk Kahla
December 8, 2015
I had Mr Zumwalt for Civcs during summer school to free class time up for my Senior year. I loved every minute of his classes! His recommendation letter on my behalf to West Point is one of the reasons I was accepted there. I think of him often.
Lou Toth
June 21, 2013
I cannot remember a time when Vince and I did not find the Zumwalt Family heavily involved in our Grossmont District AFS program. Such great support that helped the program develop and grow for over 25 years. I hold them in my heart as true friends and confidants to help solve any problem that came along with the students and families that cared for them.
Now that Vince has passed(5/22/13)I will hope to see Gretli and tell her personally how much the Toth family cared for him
Bruce Toth
June 21, 2013
I probably hold an unofficial Granite Hills student record by taking three classes taught by Jim Zumwalt during my four years there. While the first class was a random assignment, the next two were by demand.
His Socratic teaching style was unique, refreshing, and thoroughly engaging. Most 1960's high school teachers found comfort in strict lesson plans and autocratic direction to stifle open discussion and debate. In contrast, Jim encouraged (demanded) that from his students. He deftly guided our free expression of feelings and opinions in socially and politically tumultuous times.
I distinctly remember the detailed blackboard outlines he prepared for class each day. Invariably we weren't more than five minutes into them before he was weaving World History into current events, and off we went. What a fabulous ride it was!
I'm not sure which of his students affectionately named him Captain Zum Zum, but the nickname quickly stuck. Maybe it was the open collared shirts showing off his peace symbol necklace, or the casual shorts and sandals he often wore. I think he earned it because we truly considered him one of "us", not one of "them". Rather unusual in a time when popular culture suggested that no one over forty could be trusted.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was one of a kind...one of "us".
Stephanie Spandl
May 23, 2013
I had Mr. Zumwalt for Civics class in 1981. I remember him as passionate and good at getting us to really think about issues. One of my strongest memories was of the film, "The Wave" that he showed us to help us understand how much easier it was for Germans to get sucked into Nazi propaganda than one would think. It was disturbing and powerful. I am grateful for all he gave to us his students. My prayers to his family
Julie Oaks
May 5, 2013
Mr. Zumwalt, I remember u since I moved in the house above ur house. I remember going over 2 ur house, when my sister Denise. Was friends with Barbara & Frannie.
Caprice Hubbard
April 1, 2013
Mr. Zumwalt was one of the best teachers I have had. His Civics class was so relevant and taught me so much about government ans about myself. My sincere sympathies.
Reiko Tokuchi
March 30, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Zumwalt family. I met Mr.Zumwalt through the AFS exchange program. I was deeply impressed by his broad perspective on the world and his gentleness to Mrs. Zumwalt(It was a nice cultural shock for me).He inspiried me in many ways and showed me a perfect example of a good American citizen.Thank you for coming to the parties every time I returned to the U.S.
My husband Hideshi also sends his deepest sympathies to Jim and Ann and the whole Zumwalt family for your loss.
March 29, 2013
I took several classes from Mr. Zumwalt at Granite Hills and also served as his teachers aide. Mr. Zumwalt was a great teacher who brought himself to the class and the discussion from his personal stories to his love of history. He was truly a great teacher and I still remember now what he taught in high school. My condolences to his family for their loss.
Peter Dapper Class of '82
Harold McCawley
March 28, 2013
Condolences to the Zumwalt family. I knew the Zumwalt & Mathias families in 1940s Tulare where Drs Elmo Z and Mathias were our family doctors as well as Tulare HS team doctors. Surprized to see obit in SDUT.
Diana Gail Martin
March 27, 2013
It was because of Mr Zumwalt class 40+ years ago that I gained an appreciation of government and History. Although I didn't become a history/government teacher, I did become and English/reading teacher. He will be missed! RIP Mr Zumwalt, I loved your class. (Class of 68)
Brian Hughes
March 27, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Zumwalt family. As a GHHS Class of '72 graduate, I had the honor and pleasure of being a student in Mr. Zumwalt's class for 2 solid years (History 70-71 & Civics 71-72). We laughed a lot, we learned a lot, and we were taught to think on our own. I still remember in great detail many of the classroom discussions that took place in those two years. I suppose that one could say that any teacher who wore purple towels as a costume on parent's "back to school night" could be classified as "unforgetable" by any standard measure, but he was unforgetable for so many other reasons. Thank you, sir, for all that you did for me.
March 27, 2013
Mr. Zumwalt inspired so many of us to think...his class was like none other and I will always be grateful for this wonderful teacher...Aloha 'Oe Mai'kai
sheila king
March 27, 2013
I had Mr Zumwalt for World History, it was my last class of the day & instead of nodding out, I sat up & particpated in the vigarous class discussions. I still remember him quoting Voltaire "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" He will be missed.
Ginger Elliott/Thompson
March 26, 2013
It's been 40 years since I had Mr. Zumwalt as my teacher at Granite Hills. Every now and then I hear or see something that reminds me of him he had that much of an impact on my life..He will continue to put a smile on this ole face and will be remembered fondly. So sorry for your loss.
Tom Piszkin
March 25, 2013
Just one year of exposure to Jim Zumwalt (Granite Hills class of 1971) changed my life in incredible ways. Jim was the epitome of a caring, creative, socratic teacher. It took decades to figure out his personal political biases, just as it should be...they weren't apparent to my 17 year old mind. Thank you Jim and Gretli for your hospitality and encouragement. I'm sure I'm just one of thousands who appreciate the focus and clarity you both brought to our formative years.
Doug Jones
March 25, 2013
He will live on through his influence as a great teacher and in the memories of his joie de vivre.
Sharon Murphy
March 25, 2013
Mr. Zumwalt was the most memorable teacher I ever had. I graduated in 1970 and had Mr. Zumwalt as a teacher in 68, 69, 70. He taught me how to be a free thinker and to think outside the box. He was great. I remember he wore a huge peace sign medallon necklace and I really appreciated that. He encouraged us to think about history and how it related to our lives. He let us explore controversal subjects and speak our mind and along the way form opinons. He taught me to challenge authority. I think of him often and want his family and wife to know what a lasting legacy he has left. He spoke of his family lovingly and he will be missed. We all felt so fortunate to be in his class. He taught the first African American History class and I loved it. He will be missed.
March 24, 2013
What teenager could have guessed she would enjoy history as much as she did, yet that's how you felt as a student in Mr. Zumwalt's classes. I found him to be so fascinating with not only the way he taught us, but how he related it to life. I never forgot him, nor will I ever...... He was an amazing teacher and educator, he's the reason I still enjoy history!!!
My condolences to his family for your loss. May you find peace in knowing how special he was to so many students with his wonderful gift of teaching.
Cheryl (Abernethy) Outhier
March 24, 2013
What a fabulous legacy our teacher, Mr. Zumwalt, left with his many, many Granite Hills students. He challenged us to think and re-think many of the lessons we learned from History and Social Science. He was one of the best teachers for many of us Students. God Bless you as you give thanks for his contributions and mourn his loss.
Sincerely and with Condolences to his family,
Martha (Lambach) Collins
Susan Hamamoto
March 24, 2013
Sorry to hear about your loss of beloved husband and father. It was privilege to meet him through Ann and Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief.
Yoshi and Susan Komori
March 24, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences to all of your family. Our thoughts are with you.
Mage Bailey
March 24, 2013
We are so sorry to read of Jim's passing. His unique written voice will be much missed. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim McMahon
March 24, 2013
He always had a joy that he brought to his lessons. He inspired many!
Beth Latta
March 24, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. He will be remembered.
Kathy O
March 24, 2013
Jim was a mentor and friend. His legacy will include the thousands of students he reached over his career in the classroom. His family has my deepest condolences….kind thoughts and warm hugs.
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