JAMES F. O’BRIEN

Clay High School Principal Nominated by: Mary O'Brien Jones

James F. O’Brien retired from the Oregon School System in 1974. He was principal of Clay High School from 1950 until 1974. He had twelve years as principal of Clay Elementary, and ten years as a science and industrial arts teacher and athletic coach at Wynn Elementary. He often said that his philosophy of education was based on the two R’s and the three P’s – the R’s for respect for the rights of others and responsibility for one’s actions. The three P’s for pride in self, purpose in life, and patriotism for country. He was well known for his sense of humor and his love of puns.

James was secretary-treasurer of the former Great Northern Conference and later served in that same office for the Great Lakes League. James was a life member of the Oregonians as well as a member of the East Toledo Oregon Kiwanis Club and Yondota Lodge. He was a board member of the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society and was named Citizen of the Year by the Oregon Chamber of Commerce.

James was proud of Clay High school and its students and teachers. After he retired he continued to support Clay High School in any way he could, including attending Clay High School athletic and alumni events, contributing funds for the construction of the new gymnasium, and going door to door before elections to encourage folks to vote for school levies. From time to time Letters to the Editor written by James were published in the Toledo Blade and other publications.