"I am a 1965 grad of Chrysler High in New Castle Indiana. I had no idea that Mr Pugh, my principal was living here in the same city as my family and I. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He was certainly a dedicated educator and I always will remember the moment when he made the announcement to us all of the JFK shooting. He dismissed us all and said we needed to go home and be near our radios and televisions. I just wanted to say a few words about Mr Pugh and his school spirit. Rest well Mr Pugh and God bless your family..Mike( Mickey) Thompson class of 65"
In loving memory of
James L. Pugh
October 23, 1926 - November 5, 2009
James (Jim) Pugh died in Orlando, FL at age 83. A 1944 graduate of Jefferson Township High School, Pugh received his Bachelors degree from Ball State in 1949 and Masters from Indiana University in 1952. In 1979 he was recognized by Ball State University with a Distinguished Alumni Award. Pugh, an innovative Indiana educator, was past president of the Indiana Association of Secondary School Administrators and Indiana School Administrators. He served on the Executive Committee of the North Central Association of Colleges Secondary Schools and was a member of Gary Masonic Lodge No. 677. Pughs career began in Gary in 1955 at Edison High School followed by Emerson and Tolleston. He was High School principal of: Chrysler High School in New Castle, 1961-67; Munster High School, 1967-69; Penn High School in Mishawaka, 1969-1972; and Muncie Central, 1972-1979. In the 1980s, Pugh was an administrator of a large retirement facility in Clearwater, Florida. After retiring, he and his wife, Barbara (d. 2004) moved to Orlando where they were members of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Pugh enjoyed exploring the city beautiful and playing host to friends and relatives who visited. He will be greatly missed by daughters, Marcia (BS Ball State 74) and Linda (BS Ball State 75) of Greenville, South Carolina. Pugh will be buried in Upland, Indiana. No service is planned at this time. Memorial gifts may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Orlandos Pastoral Care Department, 106 East Church Street, Orlando, Florida 32801.
Tributes
"Linda & Marcia I was surprised and deeply saddened to learn of the death of your Dad. You girls were indeed blessed to have had such special parents. I loved both of them, and they had a profound effect on my life, especially spiritually. It was my joy and privilege to have worked for and with your Dad. He was a great administrator and an even greater man. In sympathy and love, Sally DeBord"
"Linda and Marcia, I was surprised and deeply saddened to learn of the death of your dad. You girls were indeed blessed to have had such special parents. I loved both of them and they had a profound effect on my life, especially spiritually. It was my joy and priviledge to have worked for and with your dad. He was a great administrator and an even greater man. In sympathy and love, Sally DeBord"
"Mr. Pugh was my principal as a second year teacher at Muncie Central HS. I will always remember his concern for his staff especially those of us who were single at the time. He made it a point to personally talk with each of us and make sure we had a place to go for Thanksgiving. He invited any and all of us to his house if we were going to be alone. I have taught for 38 years and he is the best man I have worked for."
"Mr Pugh was my principal at New Castle, when I dropped out of school,(1963) to join the Marines. Later I recieved my GED. In 1967 in Viet Nam, I recieved a personal note from Mr Pugh, congratulating me. Some things you never forget. I'm sure he has no idea who I am- but that note meant a lot to me. That was a very kind gesture. I am sorry to read of his passing. jerry griifis VA service officer Muncie"
"Mr. Pugh was my principal @ Muncie Central from 1973-1977. I remember him as a really good guy. He expected everyone's best...teachers and students. Rest in peace, Mr. Pugh!"
"Dear Marcia and Linda, I am so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you during this difficult time. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. With sympathy, Nancy"