James retires from MCS, explores new options
To raise money for St. Jude, he and Mary Pat climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Madison, Madison Living, Schools
 By  GreggParker Published 
10:44 pm Tuesday, July 11, 2017

James retires from MCS, explores new options

MADISON – After 28 years in education, Dennis James has retired from Madison City Schools. ‘Retirement’ may be a misnomer because he has no plans to sit idle.

James announced his retirement to Madison Board of Education in April 2017. Central Office colleagues and friends wished him well at a farewell reception at Blue Pants Brewery before his last day on April 25.

For the past seven years, James has served as MCS Director of Student Services. Previously, for nine years he taught math and coached at Bob Jones High School, where he founded cross-country and indoor track teams.

James was assistant principal at Liberty Middle School and principal at Columbia Elementary School, both in six-year stints. Before entering the education field, he was an officer in the U.S. Air Force. His wife Mary Pat has worked as a legal secretary in Huntsville, also for 28 years.

After earning a bachelor’s degree at Athens State University, James received a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of North Alabama and an educational specialist degree from University of Alabama.

James believes each student has talents. “You have to take time to connect with each student, find what they’re passionate about and help them reach their potential,” he said. “Too many people get hung up on a grade. The important thing is to find a child’s talent and help them develop it … (so) they find happiness in life and where they’ll make a difference.”

The Madison district’s top three assets are “people, people, people! (students, teachers/staff and parents),” he said.

Efforts beyond classroom walls have shown students that educators care about them individually. “They are far more important than a test score.” He cited the We Care team for temporary assistance to student families in need, backpack food program and expansion of counseling services and School Resource Officer program.

“We’ve also tried to model servant leadership (so) students learn when they (can) help, they have a responsibility to help,” James said. “That’s how our partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital started.”

James has led the district’s fundraising campaigns for St. Jude. Students have experienced real-life connections with peers. To raise money for St. Jude, he and Mary Pat climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Dennis and Mary Pat are moving to Memphis, Tennessee, home of St. Jude. Mary Pat will lead volunteer efforts with St. Peter’s Church. Dennis is collaborating with St. Jude to expand the hospital’s presence in American schools.

Their son Patrick recently finished serving in the Air Force and has enrolled in college in Maryland. Daughter Molly teaches first-graders at Columbia.

Dennis and Mary Pat are active members of St. Vincent de Paul through St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Mary Pat has delivered meals to homeless individuals. Dennis has served on United Way’s board.

Most people don’t realize Dennis has flown solo in an Air Force jet and worked as pit master on a professional barbecue team. At 18 years old, he was one of Alabama’s youngest reporters to win a press award.

“In looking back, Mary Pat and I have such fond memories … all centering around people, not a job or a place,” he said. “We’ve been blessed that our lives have crossed paths with so many wonderful people. It has been an honor to be a small part of their lives.”

“I will certainly miss so many people, but Mary Pat and I are very excited to tackle some new challenges in the next chapter of our lives,” James said.

 

Also on The Madison Record
Rocket City Marching Invitational set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at stadium
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Bob Jones High School Bands, in collaboration with title sponsor KODA Technologies, will present the third annual Rocket City Marching Invit...
Mayor Paul Finley bids farewell, reflects on accomplishments at 2025 Madison Update
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - Madison Mayor Paul Finley will be leaving the office of mayor this Nov. after sitting out the Aug. 26 election. Finley addressed the busines...
District 6 seat to be decided Tuesday in runoff election
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - There is one final race to be decided from Madison’s municipal Aug. 26 election. The representative for District 6 on the Madison City Counc...
Heart of the Valley YMCA exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy, renews mission focus
A: Main, Business, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
HUNTSVILLE – On Sept. 8, Heart of the Valley YMCA announced its successful emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This development marks a new chapter ...
MCDAB presents check to Parks and Recreation, chairperson steps down
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - After serving as the chairperson for the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board (MCDAB) for nine years, Janessa Crosswy is moving and steppi...
State lawmakers, local city leaders meet with Space Command leader to discuss transition
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By ALEX ANGLE Alabama Daily News 
September 17, 2025
WASHINGTON — Space Command is moving quickly to bring the headquarters to Huntsville through meetings with members of the state’s congressional delega...
Best-Selling Author Jen Hatmaker to share memoir on Oct. 21
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Jean Hatmaker, “New York Times” Best-Selling Author, speaker and podcaster, will share thoughts from her memoir, “Awake,” at Blue Apple Book...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *