- Date Of Birth: June 23, 1935
- Date Of Death: December 11, 2009
- State: Illinois
James Paul Agner, 74, of Jacksonville, IL died Friday evening, December 11, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Home in Springfield, IL.
He was born June 23, 1935 in Teaneck, NJ; the son of Alfred Leo and Matilda Mechan Agner. He was raised at the Soldiersâ?? and Sailorsâ?? Childrenâ??s Home in Normal, IL. He married Shirley Patrick on April 14, 1956 in Bloomington, IL and she survives.
He is also survived by four sons, James P. Agner (wife, Heidi) of Petersburg, AK, Jeffrey P. Agner of Escondido, CA, Jon P. Agner (wife, Becky) of Missoula, MT, and Joseph P. Agner (wife, Maureen) of Springfield; ten grandchildren, Bart and Jesse Agner, Jessica and Katie Agner, Shannon and Erin Agner, Kendra Cunningham (husband, Blake), Scott Moulton (wife, Jenny), Lori Everett (husband, Brian), and Michael Agner; a great grandson, Bode Cunningham; three brothers, Douglas Agner of Edina, MN, David Agner of Chipley, FL, and Tim Agner of Chatsworth; a sister, Carol Baker of Knoxville, TN; two former daughters-in-law, Tammy Elser and Debbie Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A devoted educator, Jim received a B.S. in education and a M.S. in education from the Illinois State University in Normal and completed many hours of additional coursework at Harvard University and several other institutions. He began his career in the Fairbury-Cropsey School District #3 as an instrumental music educator and guidance counselor from 1960-1965. He held various duties from 1965-1971 with the State of Illinois, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Springfield. He served as the executive director for the Association for the Handicapped in Freeport, IL from 1971-1974.
Jim moved to Jacksonville in 1974 to begin his service to Four Rivers Special Education District where he served 21 years as the assistant director and 3 years as the director. From 1998-1999, he was acting superintendent for the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired and during 2001 served as an instructor at MacMurray College in Jacksonville. During the course of his career, Jim also provided his expertise to the Illinois State Board of Education and Sangamon State University.
He maintained affiliations with numerous professional associations including the National Association of School Psychologists where he was a co-founder and charter member; the Illinois School Psychologists Association where he was a co-founder, charter member, and past president; the Illinois Junior Academy of Science which he served as a regional judge; and Phi Delta Kappa- West Central Illinois Chapter where he was a co-founder, charter member, past treasurer, past president, and international delegate. Jim also authored several professional articles and handbooks including the History of the National Association of School Psychology (with William Farling).
A dedicated community leader, Jim was involved in many community organizations. He was formerly active with the Fairbury and Springfield Jaycees and from his service was named JCI Senator # 7119. While a member of the Springfield Jaycees, he was chairman of the Springfield All-America City Committee. He was a long-time member of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club which he served as its president and secretary and as Kiwanis District 29 Lieutenant Governor. He was a co-founder of the West Central Illinois Special Olympics where he co-chaired their first track and swim meet. He was the secretary and treasurer for the Left Handerâ??s Gun Club since 1990. He was a member of the Church of Our Saviour and served with the US Army in the 1960â??s. In addition, he provided volunteer service to and maintained an interest in several other community and national organizations.
Jim was above all a devoted scouter. He provided numerous leadership roles for Boy Scouting throughout Illinois including his serving as a scoutmaster and committee chairman for Troop 103 in Jacksonville, District SME Chairman, District and Council Trainer, Regional Camp Inspector, and Abraham Lincoln Council Board Member for many years. His involvement in scouting provided him with the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, District Award of Merit, and Woodbadge recognition. In recognition of his service to boy scouting he was named a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
In spite of his professional dedication and extensive community service, he always found time to involve his family in activities and travel. He wanted to ensure that his sons were presented with the educational opportunities that only extensive travel and community service could provide.
