Tod Anton's report on Jonathan Pearce LUSD tribute Nov. 16, 2011

On Nov 17, 2011, Tod Anton wrote:

Friends and Colleagues of Jonathan Pearce,

It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the life and legacy of JP. Some of his colleagues who attended with very short notice were DeLora Blalock, Pat Mintiens, Fern Prosser, Lou Womble, Ken Class, Jackie Korbholz, Carlin Jardine, Dean Welin, and Melodie Blowers; I remember chatting with them.

The evening was a catalyst to evoke fond memories of a great man who enriched our lives and had such a positive impact on the schools and community.

Below I share my note of appreciation to Tom Uslan, superintendent; Janet Petsche, associate superintendent; Joan Calonico, principal; and Lisa Walker, administrative assistant. 

They did a marvelous job in honoring Jonathan.

~Tod


Dear Tom, Janet, Joan, and Lisa,

Thank you for a most wonderful and appropriate "Remembering Jonathan Pearce" at the board meeting last night. It was beautiful planned and implemented. Every moment resonated with appreciation for JP and his colleagues who contributed so much to the children and youth of Lincoln Unified. Trustees and district leadership had a long day and night; thank you for inserting "Remembering Jonathan Pearce" into your agenda.

The setting of the Jonathan Pearce Music Center was perfect. Being greeted with signs with Jonathan's face was a special touch. Having JP's framed photo with his cello warmed us. The cello concert by the music staff highlighted your tradition of saluting members with a concert in their favored instrument. Having pictures of Jonathan and musical performance projected during the evening brought him and his contributions to our awakened and treasured memories. The chorus singing the Lincoln High Alma Mater was so impressive and nicely concluded the event. 

Thanks for calling a short recess so JP's colleagues and friends could savor the moment. I know that Mak Pearce felt very good about the tribute to his father and legacy he left.

If Jonathan had been there in body, he probably would have given an understated compliment, "Good show, a high class performance."

The remarks about Jonathan were so perceptive. When you talked about his vocabulary, powerful presence, versatile mind, sense of humor, use of questioning to evoke our deeper thinking, written evaluations, focus on what is best for all concerned -- colleagues in the audience were saying, "Yes, yes, yes." 


The younger staff members and students must have learned more about the nature and culture of our school district.

With great appreciation for your leadership and service, loving Lincoln,

Tod

Beverly Holt Wrote...

Those of us who knew Jonathan, know that the world has lost a great humanitarian. I am honored and privileged to know Jonathan on many levels. He was a professional colleague, a mentor who encouraged me along in my career at Lincoln Unified, and a treasured, personal friend. Once he befriended you, you had a loyal and trusted friend for life.

When Jonathan held the position of the Dean of Boys, he expressed compassion. After conferring with a student in trouble, he would say,“Go out the back door, so your friends and teachers won’t see you leaving my office." He was concerned that the student might want to avoid embarrassment. He treated everyone with respect and dignity.

Jonathan was never above those he supervised. He never asked us to do something he wouldn't do himself. In the early years of his deanship next to the attendance office, if we had a lineup of students getting passes to class, he would roll up his sleeves, come out and help us. His dry sense of humor and willingness to pitch in kept us all bolstered and on our toes.

Another of his philosophies concerning staff was, “...just because someone has had a bad year, you don‘t throw them away. Everyone has a bad few months or a year.”

He was a champion of students, staff and parents, though a few didn't realize it, because he held himself so close. He told me he always felt more comfortable in a small group, rather than large group settings

In one of JP’s emails to me, he recalled that Willard's professional advise to him was, “Your job is to keep the ship afloat. Don’t make anymore god _ _ _ _ waves. Don’t ask for money--we don’t have any. We have more students than we can house, but don’t ask for staff to supervise kids on unassigned time. There's no  money to support that. Don’t ask for money to finish the interior quads or the parking lot, we don’t have the money. We don’t have any money for staff development nonsense."

Just to maintain consistency, if Jonathan asked for more help, Willard would say “We don’t have the money, just don’t do it.” In spite of that advice, Jonathan always found a way. He and his son Mak finished the interior quads on weekends and the cost came out of Jonathan’s pocket.

He found creative ways to support staff development. In the beginning, that came out of his personal pocket, too. Jonathan underestimated his own value to students and staff, or he was just too humble to acknowledge it. The list of his accomplishments, behind the scenes, in their behalf, is endless.

Those of us privileged to work with Jonathan valued his kindness, intellect, expertise and advice. The counsel he provided as Dean, Principal, and then Assistant Superintendent for Education Services affected lives positively. He never suggested the "right" answer to resolving a problem. He would encourage creative thinking, and explain several options by prefacing, “you may want to consider this” or “you may want to consider that.”  He made you understand that you were a valued contributor.

When Jonathan retired and started writing fiction, I was honored when he'd send manuscripts and ask for my opinion. What? This great man valued my opinion? I read them all, of course. My favorites of his books are the ones that seemed to reveal a glimpse of his personal life. Among my favorites are Emma Snow, The Far Side of the Moon, and Buds.

I encouraged him to write about his personal experiences in the military, and about his upbringing. He always declined. A frequent response was, "Thanks for the suggestion, but (here it comes again) my experiences were almost all unpleasant. The war was badly run . Officers were learning their craft and making awful mistakes. The men often didn’t know what they were doing in such a loud, smelly, filthy place." Over the years he was able to share some of his horrible war experiences, and I understood.

I had lunch with Jonathan for the last time in July, while I was in Northern California visiting my brother who has been quite ill. I thought then that JP looked thinner, and might be unwell, but he kept it to himself. I didn't want to believe he was ill. That day at lunch, we reminisced about our times at Lincoln, and how our children were doing. He was so very proud of Maki and Marika. He did his best to take good care of his wife, Miya.

I have many, many wonderful memories and many more stories, that I treasure.

I lost my beloved brother, not long after Jonathan’s passing.  I lost two important people, a treasured friend and my eldest brother. I can only say that words are not adequate to describe the pain and sense of loss.

Jonathan played an important role in who I am. He touched my life in a profound and positive way.

“Striving on.”

~Beverly Holt

Remembering a Good Man

I realize that part of who I am today was formed in my senior year in Jonathan Pierce's English class. For me, he inspired learning not so much by the assignments, books and tests, which were stimulating and challenging, yet even more by his quiet dignity and personal standard of excellence.

There are a few people in life that leave such a remarkable impression that even 47 years later I feel a connection with friends and family who were blessed to know and work with him. 

Our lives are both enriched for his presence in it and saddened for reason of missing him now that he has gone on to a much better Place.

Thank you, Jonathan Pierce, for the deposit of excellence you instilled in me.

Fondly,
Roslyn (Bills) Koelle

Joy Slay wrote...

I had Mr. Jonathon Pearce as a teacher all through high school. Was one of my favorite teachers and have often thought of him through the years.

Joy Garrett-Slay
 Class of 1960

Thank you Jon

Jon was a driving force in my teaching career.   He was always there when I was student teaching, was responsible for bringing me from Manteca to Lincoln High in 1967.  I remember the trip we both made to Sacramento to have our transcripts evaluated for Counseling Credentials.

I have to than Jon for having the confidence in me for letting me try my hand in counseling and then for appointing me Dept. Chairman in Social Science.

I remember all the years we spent going through the chair in Phi Delta Kappa (UOP Educational Fraternity) work on the newsletter and discussing fraternity together.

From the time I first started teaching, Jonathan was always there.  Thank you Jon.

                                                                                                                               Len Doflemyer

Treasuring the Memory

A very thoughtful piece written by Tod Anton and posted on Sept. 30th:

...

Janette Klevan wrote

Jon Pearce was my junior choir director at First Congregational church. I adored him! He really brought out the best in us and I loved singing every Sunday. He had a great wit and would silence us with the "look".
Sincerest condolences to his family. 

~Jan Klevan

A Dear Family Friend

I have many fond memories of Jonathan. My mother (Beverly Holt) worked closely with Jonathan for many years, and he was especially kind to me as a kid. I observed my mother in those days, and saw that providing executive support to someone with Jonathan's integrity and intellect was rewarding and challenging. They shared a like-minded philosophy of education, and became lifelong friends. They were part of a core group of LUSD professionals whose connection transcended their careers. They took time to get together after retirement and still enjoyed tremendous camaraderie, with humor and appreciation for one another. Those friendships are rare and valuable. A lucky group.

Jonathan had dignity. He always appeared to be contemplating serious matters. And yet, at his request, I was allowed a very fun "job" one summer (I think I even received a paycheck) that involved a large jug of liquid starch and giant sheets of brightly colored tissue paper. The paper was to be torn in ragged shapes, the starch smeared judiciously on the tissue, and then permanently plastered onto the floor-to-ceiling windows of the "Huddle" (where I enjoyed too many delicious deep-fried burritos at Lincoln High School).

When the project was finished, it gave the illusion of a wonderful stained-glass kaleidoscope. I took the artistic placement of those sheets very seriously. I enjoyed that job, convinced that I'd contributed to the improvement of the campus. Jonathan followed up with a letter on school letterhead, using words of appreciation for the completed task. At 13, it was the most official looking letter I'd ever received. I still have it.

When I graduated in 1972, Miya and Jonathan gave me the most beautiful graduation gift. A lovely string of pearls enclosed in a satiny Asian-inspired case, which was as precious to me as the pearls inside. In spite of a devastating house fire in 1999, the pearls and case survived.

When my daughter graduated from high school, I gave her my "graduation pearls" along with the case and original hand-written note. She's always known what they've meant to me. The gift of a string of pearls from the Pearce family has become a family heirloom.

I'm grateful for knowing Jonathan. His good works and kindness survive, in spite of the devastating loss of a remarkable man. Reading the heartfelt sentiments here provides comfort, validation and testimony to the truth that one person can (and does) make a difference in others' lives.

We're all lucky that, along the way, we shared the same time and place with someone like Jonathan.

~ Allyn (Holt) Bryan

Calm Dignity

Jonathan Pearce was my senior English teacher as well as a family friend. He pushed me in English class to a point where I was much better prepared for college. He even gave me a summer reading list to keep me educated. I slogged through that list and realized I had a lot more to learn. He very quietly attended various family events and gave his support to our family including speaking at my father's service. I got the thrill of having him talk to my eighth graders about several of his novels he had written and I had had them read. I will miss his calm dignity and wisdom and friendship.

~Donna Swagerty Shreve

Ginny Lucas (Ginger Fox) wrote

Jonathan was a soft, warm man living in a hard, cold shell that he created purposely to keep people out of his personal life. Over the years I wore away at that exterior like water drops falling on stone, until an opening appeared tiny enough to sneak through. He did and didn't appreciate my persistence.

In our high school freshman English classroom (1956) he called us Miss this and Mr. that, which let us know the only way we could conduct ourselves during those 50 minutes in his presence was with dignity. Well, as much dignity as a teenager can conjure up. He used words like complacency, vicarious, and auspicious. He insisted we all memorize John Donne’s No Man is an Island. I know it to this day.

He was a man of mystery back then, wearing very dark glasses whenever outdoors, sporting a practically permanent frown, speaking softly always yet sternly when appropriate. Never talking down to us, but expecting us to rise up to meet him on a higher road. Now and then he would surprise us with his unique wit.

My parents divorced when I was small, and my father lived in other parts of the world. My stepfather was not a nice man. In retrospect I believe the reason Jonathan lived in the spotlight on the stage of my young life was that in the role he played opposite me, he never yelled at me, never swore at me, never hit me, never behaved inappropriately toward me. He was gentle, kind, intelligent, supportive, and inspiring. When I handed in an original short story as an assignment, it came back to me with his note in red ink -- "I am constrained to ask the painful question -- did you write this?" Crushed, I assured him I had and he asked me to write another for him, after which he said to me the magical words, "You are a writer." It wasn't until my thirties that I began to believe him, to prove him right, and we reconnected.

There is so much I'm grateful for relating to Jonathan, but more than anything else I think I am grateful that he and my husband were able to know and like each other. A few years back he invited us to spend a weekend with him at his home in Tahoe. He made it clear that we were free to wander off to sight see or visit the casinos. I made it clear we were there to spend every waking moment just being with him, which came so easily to all three of us. There were so many questions I had asked him throughout the years about himself and his life, receiving only cryptic replies. I had no idea he had stored my questions away, to answer them in his own time. At Tahoe he talked. It was almost as though he had been waiting until he knew I had someone at my side to help me support the weight of his words.

Among other things he told us that, as a young US Marine, his duty during the Korean war had been to document interrogations led by the CIA. He carried a heavy and hurtful burden on his shoulders for the rest of his life. With his death my consolation is knowing that the burden has been lifted. And while it is said that most tears shed graveside are for words unspoken and deeds undone, I know with absolute certainty that I said and did everything within my power to let Jonathan know throughout our relationship that he holds a special place in my heart. He felt unworthy, of course, embarrassed at times, but now and then one corner of his mouth would turn up ever so slightly, letting me know he was secretly pleased.

I thought I was prepared for his eventual death. Frank and I had planned in advance. He read the obituaries daily and we had rehearsed how he would inevitably break the news to me in the least devastating manner possible. Yesterday he simply said "Oh-oh," put down the newspaper, and stood with his arms open, saying, "Come here." That was when my crying began. It hasn't stopped yet but it is lessening.

Jonathan's last words to me (a phrase he repeated often) were, "Strive on." Rest in peace, Jonathan, and rest assured that I am striving on. I am striving on.

~ Ginny Lucas (Ginger Fox)

Ann Quinn wrote

Jonathan was such an influence in my life, teaching me so much, both by what he said and how he lived his life. It was an honor to have worked with him as his secretary at Lincoln High in the 70's and then to have the opportunity to continue as friends. I believe my career would not have unfolded positively had it not been for JP's wise counsel and wit.

I've never forgotten my interview to be his secretary at Lincoln High. After talking to me, he took me to the desk in the front office and showed me the dictaphone. (I had never seen one before, let alone used one.) He assured me that everything I needed to complete in an hour the tasks he would assign me via the dictaphone was either on or in the desk. It was the best test of common sense I've ever seen, and I've often used it myself over the years, as have colleagues to whom I've recommended it.

I hope that Jonathan knew how many lives he influenced. His legacy is far ranging. Many, many people remember him and are better for knowing him. We all will miss him.

My husband, Tom, joins me in sending our deepest condolences to your family.

Sincerely, Ann Quinn

Lincoln employees' best friend...

When I was a library aide at Lincoln Elementary, this scary, official looking administrator came to the library and asked if there was anything we needed. I was trying to climb over the pile of returned library books blocking the door every morning. A few weeks later when I opened the library door there was a custom made rolling book drop under the return slot. Jonathan had enlisted a grandchild's help and built it himself. For years I told coworkers Jonathan Pearce was their best friend.

Later, there were memories of working at the District Office. Jonathan joining us at break time with his cup of tea, popping in at our office to sing, "We don't smoke and we don't chew, and we don't go with girls who do", hunting for a typo or error in his bulletins to collect a coveted trinket prize. I am just one person who's life was touched by this remarkable man.

~Ruth Macalutas

For Marika and the Pearce Family

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember many evenings traveling to choir practice with you and your dad at the First Congregational Church; then singing on Sundays. And of course our days at Lincoln High while he was principal. Your dad was a stern and yet fair administrator who commanded a great deal of respect. He will be fondly remembered by many as a great administrator, teacher, writer and friend.

~Linda Murray

Wonderful Interview

Interview with Jonathan that appeared in August 2010 at the Authors Unleashed blog.

Jonathan's Interview

You'll Be Missed

Jonathan, your intellect and talents will be missed.

~Jerrell Croskrey

Champion of Students

"As you may have heard, our beloved colleague, mentor, conscience, and counselor, Jonathan Pearce, passed away on 26 September. JP, of course, was the heart of Lincoln Unified from his teaching at Lincoln Elementary and Lincoln High, to being principal of Lincoln High, and being assistant superintendent for educational services. He was a brilliant man, master of languages, world traveler, voracious reader of professional journals, champion of students (especially the underserved) and ethical to the core."

~Tod Anton (from an email excerpt to Tom Uslan, Superintendent, LUSD)

Fond Memories

I grew up with the Pearce family, and have so many fond memories. I especially remember choir practice every Fri afternoon. Jonathan was our director, and taught me how to sing in harmony, and the discipline of following a conductor. He gave me an appreciation for the symphony, for poetry, and for order. He had a strong silence that everyone respected.

Although he was our principle in High School, he took the time to seek me out one day when our family was in crisis. He didn't say a word. He just gently grabbed my hand and held it for a moment, to let me know he cared. I doubt he ever really knew how much that meant to me, but I will never forget it. Thank you for all you did for our family, and thank you, Mia, for the beautiful plates of fruit you would deliver to our doorstep on Sunday afternoons. 

I am so sorry for your loss, and hope you find comfort in the kind words you will read about such a wonderful man. I know you are so thankful to have Marika and Maki close by to comfort you. God Bless.

~Dawn Ortiz

For the Pearce Family

JP was an inspiration as the Principal at Lincoln. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor during the LUSD Bond that expanded the Lincoln campus. He will be missed. JP, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

~Tim Herring

Stockton Record Obituary

Jonathan's obituary and additional comments from friends and colleagues appear here: Recordnet Article