James Pleasant Thogmorton

Thogmorton, James Pleasant or Dean T as he was affectionately called, died on July 17. He was born July 10, 1921, in Farmington, Mo., to C.P. and Bettie Lou Murrey Thogmorton. He and his older sister, Catherine, were members of the questionably elite group known as PK's (Preacher's Kids). As such, he spent his childhood moving throughout eastern Missouri. His summers were frequently spent at Arcadia of the Hills, a Methodist youth camp in southeast Missouri. Having graduated from high school in Charleston, Mo., in 1939, Jim attended Central College (now Central Methodist University). In 1943, Jim graduated from Central with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and the love of his life, Helen Puckett, on his arm. They married on March 23, 1944, in Miami, Fla. In the fall of 1943, Jim received his naval commission from Midshipman School at Notre Dame University. During much of the war he was ensign on a minesweeper protecting the New York City harbor, eventually earning the rank of Lt. (JG.). In July of 1945, as he was headed to Japan for the invasion, VJ Day was announced. He continued on to Japan as part of an effort to secure and clean up. Following the war, Jim and Helen moved to Denver, Colo., where he earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of Denver in 1951. Their two daughters, Louann and Cathy, were born while there. In the summer of 1951 the family of four moved to Warrensburg, Mo., where Jim became Assistant Professor of Sociology and Psychology and Director of Diemer Hall (a men's dormitory) at Central Missouri State College (now UMC). Four years later, he became the Director of McMurry Hall (a men's dormitory) and Dean of Men at Central College (now CMU) in Fayette, Mo. He became Dean of Students in 1959, a position he held for 23 years. He then served as Dean of Alumni Affairs until 1991, when he retired as Dean Emeritus. He and Helen were honored by the Central Alumni with a retirement cruise that year. In 1992 they and their daughter, Cathy, took a trip to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, a gift from their family. Jim was honored with the CMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1975. In 1991 both he and Helen were given the CMU College Service Award. He was invited to deliver the prestigious Merril E. Gaddis Lecture in 1994, and in 1996 CMU awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. He and Helen were also honored by the Class of 1959 with a Hall of Sponsors Scholarship. Dean T was a man who never met a stranger. As Dean of Students he would pour through photos of new students until he could greet each by name, making each student feel welcomed and special. As a disciplinarian, he created a unique atmosphere that frequently caused the accused to blurt out a full confession. He was known to suffer more from any penalties he had to mete out than the students who received them. A man who would not be hurried, he placed his priority on people, rather than on time. He was a gentle soul whose people skills, compassion and kindness were valued by all who knew him. Dean T was the face of CMU for six decades. He remains much loved and leaves as his legacy a legion of former students who became lifelong friends. In addition to the larger family of all of those who knew and loved him, Jim is survived by daughter Cathy Thogmorton of Fayette, Mo., and daughter Lou-ann Shaner of Hilton Head, S.C. He also leaves his granddaughter, Jami Mataya (Jim) of Chicago, Ill., and grandson, Rob Shaner, of Turners Falls, Mass. Also surviving are nephews Jim (Pam) Achuff and Dick (Joan) Achuff and their offspring; niece Susie Myers and her offspring; sister-in-law and husband Florence and Berry Morton and their five children and offspring. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen, on March 2 of this year. Also predeceasing him were his parents, C.P. and Bettie Lou Thogmorton; his sister, Catherine Stetson; his sister-in-law, Sue Koch; and his son-in-law, Bob Shaner. Services: Visitation will be at FRIEMONTH-FREESE Funeral Home, Fayette, Mo., on Sun., July 19, 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Central Methodist University campus on Mon., July 20, at 2 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Thogmortons' house. Remembrances are suggested to Central Methodist University, Advancement Department, 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248.