JAMES L. PIERCE

James L. Pierce February 12, 1926 - July 15, 2010 James L. Pierce, long time Marin County teacher and administrator, passed away at his home in San Anselmo on July 15, 2010. He was the son of James Whitney and Ellen Mary Pierce and grew up in Alameda and San Francisco. After service in World War II, he returned to U.C. Berkeley, graduating in 1950. Jim taught English at Sir Francis Drake High School, and when Redwood was built, he joined the staff of the new school, where he remained for many years. Jim was an active and prominent member of professional associations of English teachers at both state and local levels. His commitment to English literature was reflected in the series of textbooks he edited, which were used in classrooms across the country. Retirement from teaching in 1986 marked the beginning of a new career as an accountant and tax consultant. It also provided time for Jim to play racquet ball, bridge and bocce, and make long trips to Europe, Asia, Australia, and around North America. He helped to establish and continued to organize two different book discussion groups, and was a familiar figure in his San Anselmo neighborhood due to daily walks with his two Labrador Retrievers. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Virginia. His three daughters are Beth of New York, Ellen of Washington, D.C. and Carrie of Pleasanton, California. Son, Charlie and daughter-in-law, Christine, reside in San Ramon, California. Friends are invited to make a donation in honor of Jim to either the Redwood High School Scholarship Foundation or Guide Dogs for the Blind. Jim's family is arranging for establishment of the James L. Pierce Academic Scholarship Fund through the Redwood High School Scholarship Foundation. Monte's Chapel of the Hills San Anselmo, CA 415-453-8440