Jimmy "Jim" Frank Plyler

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church for Jimmy (Jim) Plyler, with Dr. Stuart Baskin officiating. Jim passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2016. He was born on August 21, 1924 in Corsicana, Texas to the late W.C. and Evelyn Plyler. While attending Corsicana High School, he earned four letters in football, three in basketball, and made the all-district football team in 1941. While attending Lamar Junior College on an athletic scholarship, he was selected for the All-Texas Junior College Conference Team in 1942. After knee problems prevented him from serving in the armed services, he enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin on an athletic scholarship. He earned three letters in football and one reserve letter in baseball. He played in the Southwest Conference Championship games in the Cotton Bowl in 1943 and in 1945 as Captain of the team. He earned his B.S. at U.T. Austin, his M.A. at Stephen F. Austin, and completed post-graduate work at Texas Eastern and Columbia University. He began teaching and coaching at Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, moved to Lufkin High School, and settled in at Tyler High School in 1951 as a teacher and coach. He was named Assistant Principal at Robert E Lee High School in 1958, Principal at Moore Junior High in 1961, and Director of Personnel in 1964. He served as Superintendent of Schools in Tyler ISD from 1969-1979. During these years, Tyler schools were integrated, and the landmark Supreme Court Ruling was issued which guaranteed a free public education for all immigrant children in the U.S. He was a member of and contributed to many professional organizations including Texas State Teachers’ Association, National Education Association, Childhood Education Association, Intergovernmental Relations, American Association of School Administrators, Piney Woods Counseling Group, and Phi Delta Kappa. As an active member of First Presbyterian Church since 1951, he served as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Elder, Trustee, choir member, and Sunday School Superintendent. He coordinated the church food drives each Christmas in order to donate food to the Salvation Army. Jim served in many civic organizations including YMCA, Child Welfare Board, Smith County Tuberculosis Clinic, United Fund, and the Mental Health Association. He taught AARP Driver Safety Programs and worked in tax preparation for AARP. He served on committees of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Salvation Army, Tyler Public Library, Jarvis Christian College, Smith County Heart Association, Smith County Retired Teachers and School Personnel Association, and the East Texas Fair. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Templar, Sharon Temple Shrine, and Tyler Area Ostomy Association. In 1981, Jim was elected Chief Appraiser for Smith County Appraisal District to organize the office and records for appraisal of all property in the taxing agencies of Smith County. He also worked for Tyler Bank and Trust and the Ramey Law Firm. He was the recipient of many awards during his educational career in Tyler. The Jim Plyler Instructional Complex was named in honor of his contributions to Tyler ISD. He was recognized many times for volunteer service to the community of Tyler for the last 30 years. Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty Brown Plyler, daughter Dr. Ann Plyler Poore and husband Thomas Poore of Garland, son John Plyler and wife Suzanne of Austin, grandchildren James Plyler, Anthony Plyler, and Liliana Plyler of Austin and several nieces and nephews. His parents and his sister, Norma Plyler Crawford and husband Robert, preceded him in death. The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Hillis, Dr. William Smyth, Dr. David Sloan, Dr. Britt Ruby and Dr. Thomas Bochow for medical care and Home Instead, Abell Companions, and Legacy Hospice for outstanding caregiving services. Private burial will be under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled at Stewart Family Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, June 13, 2016. Memorials in honor of Jim Plyler may be made to the TISD Foundation, 807 Glenwood Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701, First Presbyterian Church, 807 W. Rusk St., Tyler, TX 75701 or the charity of your choice.

Jimmy "Jim" Frank Plyler

August 21, 1924 - June 9, 2016