James Cory Ledyard Ph.D.

1946 - 2022

LEDYARD

JAMES CORY LEDYARD PHD.

James Cory Ledyard, PhD, a man whose military service and educational leadership left an indelible impression on hundreds of students, colleagues, family members, and friends, died on June 25, 2022 in Annapolis, MD. He was 75. Dr. Ledyard passed away peacefully, having navigated several years of declining health due to a debilitating brain condition.

Ledyard was born on August 1, 1946 in San Jose, CA. The son of Benjamin and Mary Jane, he and his four sisters enjoyed growing up in the Santa Clara Valley and visiting the beaches of Santa Cruz. A tennis star, avid sailor, and student council representative, Ledyard graduated from Bellarmine College Prep and then went on to Princeton University where he studied English language and literature. At Princeton, Ledyard met one of his many important mentors, Mr. Henry Callard, and they worked together in the Teacher Preparation and Placement Office, which Ledyard would later direct; these experiences–working with Trenton public school students, learning the craft of teaching, practicing collaboration–were the beginnings of Ledyard's commitment to education as a profession.

Ledyard was in the ROTC program during his undergraduate years, and he was commissioned into the US Navy as an Ensign after his graduation in June, 1968. He married Patricia Lynn Friel on April 12, 1969 after his first cruise in the Mediterranean where he served as a Damage Control Officer on an ammunition ship called the USS Nitro. Ledyard was decommissioned Lieutenant Junior Grade in June of 1971.

After completing a one-year graduate degree at Stanford University, Ledyard returned to Princeton's Teacher Prep and Placement Office; there, he taught prerequisite courses and supervised student teaching for undergraduates who wanted to receive a New Jersey state teaching license. After four years he seized his first opportunity to be a school administrator as the Upper School Principal at (then) Harvard School in Los Angeles, California. While at Harvard School, Ledyard completed his coursework for a PhD in Educational Leadership at Claremont Graduate School. From this position and with these academic credentials, Ledyard began a nearly 40-year career in educational leadership in independent schools, charter schools, higher education, and educational consulting. Most notably, Ledyard served three schools as Headmaster: Kentucky Country Day School, Germantown Academy, and, his longest tenure, Ravenscroft School from 1991-2002. Before retiring in 2014, Ledyard was recruited to develop curriculum, hire faculty and staff, and launch the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe, NM; he also served as Principal at Monte del Sol Charter School.

Among his colleagues, Ledyard is remembered for his vision and innovation, for his skillful and deft approach to identifying and cultivating school leaders, and for his successful record of fundraising and facility/campus improvements. He never lost his love for Shakespeare and the theater, fine Italian food, and watching and playing golf, and he enjoyed tennis and sailing for almost his entire life.

After his first marriage ended in divorce, Ledyard married Dr. Martha Kendall on April 18, 2010 in the beautiful backyard of their home, the New Mexican desert and mountains serving as a backdrop; they enjoyed living and working together in Santa Fe, and ultimately they relocated to Annapolis to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Before Ledyard's condition worsened, they traveled all over the world.

Ledyard is survived by two of his sisters, Peggy and Jane; his first wife, Patricia, and their children, Katherine and Brian; his second wife, Martha, and her children, Melanie and Jason; and his three grandchildren and five step grandchildren.

A service will be held at a later date.