James Eugene PROFFITT Jr.

One of the best High School teachers I had. Launched a science, electronics and outdoor adventure for me.

James was a very good man. He taught me lessons in life beyond Algebra. He drove me to the store one day so that I could purchase my first HP 12C calculator. This was after he challenged me in front of my co-students to do better. He believed in me. I am sorry to just now hear of his passing. I know God has a place for him, as he as helped so many of his children.

I had the pleasure of being both a student and a teachers aide to Mr. Proffit at El Modena. He was always challenging his students to be the best version of themselves. He also like to laugh, sometimes even at his own kookiness. Hawaiian shirts forever up there, good sir. Thanks for the lessons.

I will miss you teach. I email him saying thanks before he pass away. He help me become a bit of how I am. As an engineer and now developer. He changed my life. he made class fun. gracias profe. muchas gracias. let the lord have you work on math in heaven.

Mr. Proffitt was, frankly, one of the brighter teaching influences in my life. Not only the insane times in the 'famous' electronics room at Villa Park High School, but also the few years I had the honor of being a student in several of his classes at Santa Ana College. One of his 'famous' sayings shall remain with me forever... "A Teenage Delight" - a reference to any surprise film shown in class... That, and the one year he promoted the 'Shortage of Fours' day, where even the clock in the...

He was a great math teacher- I never thought I'd get precalculus and I did, with a bit of a struggle.

Mr. Proffitt (I will forever address him as I did a student) popped into my mind yesterday, as he does from time to time. A quick Internet search delivered the sad news of his passing. I can only imagine the grief his family must feel – I still don't know what to do with my own sadness. He had a tremendous influence on me, and was an outstanding teacher. He was tough, but taught me to be methodical and thorough, which has served me well in my career as an engineer. But what remains most...

Wow, I just stumbled across Jim's obituary today. He was my algebra II teacher in 1981-1982, and his class impacted me significantly ... leading to my degree in math and my career as a software developer. For several years, I imitated his penchant for "once-a-year haircuts", & I still find myself using some of his verbal phrases. Rest in peace, Jim.