James “Jim Sr.” Harvey Jolliff
James “Jim Sr.” Harvey Jolliff passed away at his home in West Plains, Missouri on January 11, 2024, at the age of 87 after a life wonderfully lived in a world well-traveled. He was born on July 4, 1936, to Cecil and Mattie Sharp Jolliff within their home in West Plains. Official records list his year of birth as 1937 due to the physician forgetting to submit his birth certificate until the next year. This filing error later led to his mother needing to sign her permission for him to join the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955 to begin basic training. He also trained as a Hospital Corpsman, which led to him working as a Surgical Ward Corpsman at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA in 1956. After which he continued to serve as a Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class until the year 1962.
In the year 1959, he married “the love of my life, Patricia Anne Duggan” on May 30th. Together they had three sons, Jim Jr., Mark, and Ty. He believed without doubt in the Lord’s unfailing love and mercy and placed all hope in Him. Because of this, he had a strong commitment to his love for his family. He was a husband, father, and grandfather and never failed to love us all with tenderness, patience, and intention. We knew without fail that he would be there supporting us through every accomplishment in our lives, and that he was a safe place to come rest our hardships and worries. He was so incredibly proud of his three boys and his favorite way to spend his time was with them, being involved in every aspect of their lives. Jim Sr. and Pat recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. A few years back he wrote, “she has stuck by me and supported me throughout all of our ventures in life, she is my rock and has been for 59 years”. Their continued love and devotion to each other is an inspiration to the whole family.
He valued education and during his life graduated from the Masters in Elementary and Secondary Education Program with his PhD, completed a Doctorate degree in Education and Curriculum Development, and developed the first State/Federal Special Education Compliance Plan. His passion was teaching, and one of the things that he loved to share most with his students was his love of aviation through field trips to the West Plains Regional Airport and Salem, Arkansas Airport, where he would have his Cessna aircraft ready and waiting. He treasured every single one of his students in his 58 years within the education system.
Greeted in Heaven with open arms by his loving parents, Cecil and Mattie Jolliff, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Billie Duggan, his older brother, Bob Jolliff, and younger sister, Barbara Jolliff Cook, her husband Jim Cook, nephew Mike Cook, and sister-in-law Linda Duggan.
He is survived in life by his beloved wife, Pat Jolliff; and their three adult children Jim Jolliff, Jr. and wife Teresa, Mark Jolliff and wife Tina, Ty Jolliff and wife Melynni; his grandchildren, Chad Jolliff and wife Taylor, Nathan Jolliff and wife Jessica, Kelsey Jolliff Roe and husband James, Logan Jolliff and wife Ashley; his great-grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Rhilyn, Reed, Grayson, Tristan, Nola, Logan, and Arthur; his many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors that he loved and considered family.
He asked that there not be a funeral, but on a later date when there is a beautiful day for his family to gather to celebrate his life together as the great grandchildren run and play and he watches over us all.
Before he passed, he asked us to express his thankfulness to the town of West Plains and the community that he felt so blessed to be a part of; the Richards School District, West Plains R-7 School District, Southwest Missouri State University, Howell Valley School, and all the other school systems within the area and state. He cherished every moment working side by side with all of you and had so many wonderful stories to share. To all his students, you brought so much joy to his life. To this year, he could still remember the name of every single one of you. The Aircraft Owners Pilot Association and West Plains Regional Airport, he was so thankful for all the memories you made together sharing in your love of aviation. He looked forward to his monthly meetings with his classmates where all of you would gather to reminisce and catch up with each other’s lives. To the Valley View Community Church, he felt beyond blessed to be a part of your congregation. He loved worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with everyone there. To the kind-hearted doctors and nurses within our community; from the depths of our hearts we thank you all for giving such care and attention to him. He had the utmost respect for you all.
High Flight
by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Jim Thompson
January 15, 2024 @ 12:17 pm
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful human being and will be missed. I’m grateful to have known him, and thankful for his commitment to education.
Tim Bean
January 15, 2024 @ 9:49 pm
Condolences to Mrs. Pat and the three boys. I’m sorry for your loss. I sure enjoyed knowing your Dad. I remember always seeing him with a pleasant smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug Parrish
January 15, 2024 @ 12:50 pm
Thoughts & Prayers for the families.
Michelle Cobban
January 15, 2024 @ 12:57 pm
Mr. Jolliff was one of a kind. He was a gifted instructor and I enjoyed completing my student teaching under his leadership. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed!
John W Good
January 15, 2024 @ 5:45 pm
Fair winds and following sea ,we have the watch shipmate.
David and Carrie Thompson
January 16, 2024 @ 1:01 pm
Pat and family, we are so sorry for your loss of a great husband and father, grandfather. and even great grandfather. Prayers for all of you and especially for you, Pat.
Carrie and David Thompson
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
January 15, 2024 @ 2:08 pm
Pat, Jim/Teresa & Families, Mark/Tina & Families, and Ty/Melynni & Families,
We continue to keep each of you in our daily prayers and thoughts upon the passing of Jim. Again, our Deepest Sympathy to all of you at this time. Daily may God provide peace, comfort, strength, and encouragement to each one of you. Jim was a wonderful Christian individual who cared so much about others and loved being around his friends. Also, he was a fine Leader within our community helping out in any way he could in the educational field to benefit the future of generations in our community. Tim and Corby will miss Jim’s presence at the Bluegrass Festivals that they attended. Jim was always very friendly and visited with them too. He will be missed by some many of us. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Lee Allen
January 15, 2024 @ 5:42 pm
I have always held Mr. Jolliff in the highest respect. He had a profound effect on my life as a young student at Richards R-5. He was one of the very few men that when I look back on my life I can say that I owe them thanks for what I am and who I have become.
Cheryl Burgess Smith
January 15, 2024 @ 2:55 pm
Had him as at Richard’s for a long time. I thought the world of he was a great and caring man. He will be missed my many people.
Randall, Teresa and Matthew Romans
January 15, 2024 @ 2:55 pm
Family…..Mr. Jim will be missed by so many. So grateful for all of your efforts in taking care of him his last days. May you all draw closer and remember the good times. Praying for peace and comfort for you all during this sad and difficult time.
Cindy Kirkland
January 15, 2024 @ 4:07 pm
To the family, you have my heartfelt sympathy for your family’s loss.
Anita Peoples
January 15, 2024 @ 4:37 pm
Pat6 Jim and Teresa Mark and Tina Ty and Melani So worry for your loss. May God be with you every step of the way. Jim will be missed dearly.
Anita Decker Peoples and family
Donna Newberry
January 15, 2024 @ 5:52 pm
Pat and family. So sorry you have lost Jim. Many students at Richards RV enjoyed the years we had him as teacher.
Prayers for peace in your hearts as you go through days without him in your life.
We will be missing him also.
Noble and Donna Fox Newberry
Craig and Sherri Cromer
January 15, 2024 @ 6:01 pm
To all of the family our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a wonderful man and wonderful example of how people should treat each other always with kindness.
Kimberly Libby Counts
January 15, 2024 @ 6:32 pm
Heaven gained an amazing man! Dr. Jolliff loved me and supported me like I was his. You are in my thoughts.
Fairy & Don Hensley
January 15, 2024 @ 8:42 pm
So sorry for your loss. We pray for comfort and peace for all the family!
Sharon Judd-Bramwell
January 15, 2024 @ 8:53 pm
Wishing me. Jolliff’s family prayers of comfort. He was one of the best men I’ve ever met. He left a lasting impression on all who knew him. I feel very blessed to have so many great memories of him from Richards and his support through WPHS.
Rhonda Hackworth Freshour
January 16, 2024 @ 10:23 am
Mr Jolliff was one of the best. He was a super teacher and even better administrator. My whole family loved him. He will truly be missed. So sorry for your great loss!
Mary E Evans
January 16, 2024 @ 8:15 am
So sorry for your loss. He was a very nice polite gentleman. Enjoyed visiting with him.
Donna Yancey Bridges
January 16, 2024 @ 4:13 pm
Mr. Jolliff was the 8th grade teacher …he was such a a wonderful man! He was great at teaching all the subjects and it was fun to learn. ( but I always loved school)…Mr. Jolliff always held a special place in my heart and all I can think right now is what a loss to this world.
Tina Reynolds
January 16, 2024 @ 5:06 pm
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Glen and Nancy Parrish
January 16, 2024 @ 7:50 pm
Prayers for Pat and family during this sad time. Jim was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Joetta Hammen
January 16, 2024 @ 9:29 pm
Mr. Jolliff was an excellent teacher and an exemplary human being.
Telena McAmis Davis
January 16, 2024 @ 10:04 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Jolliff was one of a kind. I remember him being a caring and kind administrator at Richards School. He was respected and loved by all of us Richards Rockets.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
January 17, 2024 @ 4:59 am
We are so sorry for your loss; praying for God’s comfort and care for his loved ones.
Melinda (Burgess) King
January 17, 2024 @ 8:11 am
This was hard to hear. Mr. Jolliff was my principal from 1st grade through 8th at Richards. He NEVER failed to greet me with a smile and called me by name every time. He was an amazing, engaging educator. He instilled quality values in thousands of students. He leaves a legacy that will live on through his boys, his grandchildren and students.
May the image of his Heavenly reunion soothe your hurting hearts. I can see the grin on his face as he met his Savior. Peace. Faith.
Lindel Kinder
January 17, 2024 @ 10:03 am
I am so sad to hear of Mr Jolliff’s passing. He was my teacher in Jr. High. What a legacy he has left. A kind soul. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Jolliff and family.
patty nichols
January 17, 2024 @ 4:08 pm
So sorry to hear this we are sending much love and hugs to you Pat and family
Lois Drumright
January 17, 2024 @ 8:53 pm
He was my teacher at Richards. Best teacher I had in school.
Bertie Judd
January 18, 2024 @ 10:39 am
Pat, I’m so sorry for your loss of Jim. Thinking of you and the family at these sad times. You had a great life together. Bertie and Larry
Steve and Cathy Driscoll
January 18, 2024 @ 3:53 pm
Dear Jim and Teresa,
At this time of great sorrow, may you be consoled with many family and friends and wonderful memories. You are in our prayers. By the mercy of God, may he rest in peace. Amen.
God bless you,
Steve and Cathy Driscoll
Donald Smith
January 20, 2024 @ 6:25 am
It was my great honor to work with Jim at Missouri State University as a Student Teacher Supervisor. Just last night (Jan 19) I visited with Nydia Rowe, also of the team of supervisors in our close knit group and mentioned we had lost contact with other members through the years since we had retired.
Jim was a consummate educator and leader and he brought such love and care and guidance to not only the student teachers he worked with, but also to the other members of the MSU group. He was an inspiration to me and I tried to emulate his passion for education.
My sincere condolences to his family and my thanks to Jim for his friendship from 2000 to 2014.
James McCrackin
January 22, 2024 @ 12:07 am
Mr. Jolliff had a huge positive impact on my life. He introduced many Richards students to running by meeting before and after school to run the old Springfield road. I remember that he had painted turn arounds on the road: 1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile and so on. There was no pressure just have fun and go as far as you want to go and turn around. I learned to love running as he did and that took me far in life. All of my accomplishments: Missouri 800m state champion, Missouri Valley Conference 1000m champion and 4:07 Mile can all be traced back to a great beginning with Mr. Jolliff. Thanks to Mr. Jolliff for all he did for me and so many others along the way!