James R. Maggart

Jim and I grew up and graduated from high school in the south central Idaho community of Burley. We both originated from modest family farms and were active in different things through high school. It was interesting to read messages from those in his adult life and career because they confirm the person that Jim was in Burley. He was the most outstanding scholar and athlete in our class of 120+, but he was the friend of everyone and a fun one! Our careers took us in different directions...

We remember Jim most warmly from the times we met him here in Hawaii when Aylin was teaching at Iolani School. He visited the school and was the ideal guest, complimentary and knowledgeable. I also had the sense, however, that he was seeing and thinking more than he was saying. I wish I had been smart enough to pick his brain for the thoughts he was keeping to himself. The remembrance you wrote for him catches his spirit: warm, gentle, humble, funny and immensely talented. As Will S. said...

Mr. Maggart will always be remembered as an invaluable Headmaster with excellent personal values in the history of Robert College, Istanbul. I was lucky to meet him and Mrs. Maggart 33 years after my graduation from RC when my son Levent (RC´ 2007) began his studies at Yale University. It was an honor to know him. On behalf of my family, I extend our condolences to Maggart family. Ahmet Tuzun Robert College 1974

I am deeply saddened to learn of Jim´s passing. I valued his finely-tuned sense of humor (which often reminded us not to take ourselves altogether too seriously), his tireless efforts to do what´s right for schools, and his thoughtful support of a new accreditation protocol which upended many assumptions about our "business." Jim was a partner on more than one accreditation visit with me, and he was invariably the one who brought calmness and reasonableness to the process. Jim asked...

I always wished I'd live long enough to beat Jim at singles tennis and one-on-one b-ball. Gawd, he was one tough opponent. I played rec basketball with him one year and his group of really good players. I am not sure how that happened, but in one game Jim and the others got me the ball enough that I scored 20 points. A truly great moment for me in my limited sporting life. And I cannot play him one on none now, I am almost 84 and out of action - permanently. But, there was always the...

I remember meeting Mr. Maggart when I interviewed at St. John's in 1990. As a young and inexperienced public school teacher, I was so nervous! He was very kind, allaying my fears. I was thrilled when he offered me a job teaching chemistry. While I only worked with him for one year, I remember his gentle demeanor and friendly smile as he encouraged me during my first year there. Now I'm in my 32 year of teaching at SJS. I am so thankful to Jim for hiring me and helping me find my life...

I will always remember Headmaster Maggart at St. John´s School in Houston, Texas as an inspirational educator and school leader. I as a volunteer mother initially taught Basic Programming with Mr. Maggart for the initial year. A wonderful teacher and mentor. For the next three years he passed the computer programming reigns to me. We will always have fond memories of Mr. Maggart. Parent of (David 1990) and Michael (1991) St John´s School

Mr. Maggart was our headmaster when I graduated from at St. John's School in Houston, Texas. He was, indeed, always trusted for his gentle honesty, sensible counsel, good humor, and warm, steady presence. I echo these words and amplify the sentiment. He will be remembered fondly and missed greatly.

Jim Maggart was my first headmaster to work for at St. John's School in Houston, Texas, beginning in 1981, also his first year at the school. As a math teacher and college counselor, I had the privilege of knowing his wife, Kaye, as well as teaching his children--Stephanie, Aylin, and Mike. Both of his girls were babysitters to my two children, and I worked with Mike when he came back to SJS to teach math. Jim was a fine man and a true gentleman, always ready with a supportive word, and he...