Pauline Barns James' Obituary
JAMES, PAULINE BARNS passed away peacefully from natural causes on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, surrounded by loved ones. She was born January 9, 1919, in Denton, Texas to Ida Mae Barns and James Elmer Barns. Pauline attended Denton public schools and graduated from Denton High School and North Texas State Teachers College (now University of North Texas) in Denton in 1941 with a B.A. degree. She earned her master’s degree at Southern Methodist University. Pauline got her teacher’s certification by examination at the age of 18, and in 1938 began teaching in a two teacher school in the Sweetwater community of Wise County. Pauline taught in Pilot Point for one year. She taught at Lancaster High School for five years, and then came to Dallas Independent School District, teaching at Robert E. Lee Elementary School two years. She was activity director at W.E. Grenier Junior High School, and Dean of Students at W.W. Samuel High School. In 1958 she was appointed principal of Mark Twain Elementary School and served twelve years. In 1970, Pauline became principal of Casa View Elementary School and retired 8 years later in 1978 totaling 39 years as a superlative educator. One of the highlights of her career was being named DISD Administrator of the year by Classroom Teachers’ Association in 1972. Pauline was awarded honorary life membership in National and Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers. She was a member of the Texas State Teachers Association and also past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher’s honorary society. Pauline was a longtime member of Lakewood Country Club where she could often be found playing Bridge with many friends. Pauline was dearly loved and greatly admired. Personally and professionally she typified the finest and the best. She is known as an outstanding educator who has consistently and unreservedly given of her time, talents, and energy to teaching young people to the advancement of the cause of education. She clearly loved her students, parents, and teachers and is, in turn, greatly loved by them. Pauline married her college sweetheart, Albert W. James Jr., May 30, 1942, at the First Baptist Church in Denton. They were totally devoted to each other and enjoyed doing all things together. They traveled extensively. Pauline had a passion for playing Bridge and often played with her Classic Residence “family”. She loved living at The Classic and found everyone so kind and friendly. Pauline is survived by her sister, Geneva Boydston; Three nieces, Darlene Johnston; Jeanne Thrasher and husband Bill Thrasher; and Barbara Burns and husband Steve Burns. Two nephews, Pete Boydston and wife Marsha Boydston; and Eddy Rankin and wife JoAnn Rankin. Numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; extended family and friends, all which cherish her memory. She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert W. James, Jr.; her brother, Homer Barns, and her sister Carolyn Green. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in her memory to the Albert W. and Pauline James Scholarship Fund, Ponder High School, c/o Lorri Routh, 300 W. Bailey St. Ponder, TX 76259. A celebration of life service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Restland Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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