James R. Locke

He was a teacher of mine in 1992 and 93. I remember watching Bill Clinton being sworn in as president on his classroom tv. Before him I was somewhat indifferent to history as a subject, but thanks to his teaching, and the teaching of other historians, I pursued my own bachelors degree in history.

Jim Locke was my 6th grade teacher at Central Elementary School, Crystal Lake (now Husmann Elementary) in 1981-82. He was one of my favorite teachers, and definitely an inspiration for me (especially as I am now teaching private music students). He was my first teacher who was left-handed, and as I am left-handed I appreciated having a teacher at the blackboard who could demonstrate handwriting for me.

Every morning, he would ask his students to handwrite a journal entry. He would...

I had the pleasure of knowing Jim when he taught at Husmann Elementary and Bernotas Middle school. He taught both of my children in sixth grade. I worked as a parent at both of those schools and got to know Jim as a friend as well. He will be greatly missed. A great teacher and a equally nice human being.