Catching up with Sid James

Yesterday I had the great privilege of delivering a book to Mr. Sid James. Mr. James was a staple in the shop area of Cupertino for over 30 years. We talked about the early challenges of his career, some of his colleagues, and he even recounted a time running into George Fernandez at a McDonalds in Oregon.

Mr. James also talked about having to work extra jobs. For him that meant teaching part-time at a junior college and night school. One thing that I didn't emphasize in the book was that many teachers needed or opted to work extra jobs to make ends meet. Earning a living as a public school teacher has always been a challenge!

He also talked of being asked to take on projects at the request of CHS administration. He would stay after school to complete them even after the admin went home. He seemed to take great pride in those contributions to the school.

Another photo  of Mr. James appears on page 220, as part of page that lists all CHS teachers.

Comments

  1. MikeDecember 13, 2018 at 2:09 PM

    The club didnt last long but Mr James helped a few of us start a trap shooting club. Imagine the thought now days of reloading shotgun shells at school! He also took a couple of us deer hunting up at his dad's ranch near Jackson.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SteveDecember 13, 2018 at 4:08 PM

    He taught metal working skills in the early 70s that I still use today in my hobby and occasionally at work. Thanks Mr. James! On a side note, I was placed in a "Job reports" file he had for rules infractions. My rebellious nature enjoyed that and it remains oddly, a fond memory.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
LOOKING FOR FUN SUMMER READING? I GOT YOU COVERED! ORDER YOUR BOOK TODAY! The History of Cupertino High School: The First 60 years The book begins with the creation and planning of CHS and goes on to feature the events and people that shaped the school's history. The book features a spread for each graduation year (plus some generational snapshots). It also features a comprehensive almanac, faculty lists, and graduations lists. Cupertino High School has a special history because of its special people. Read about your favorites and learn about those who came before or after. Whether it's Pioneer Day, Jamboree, Baja, Powderpuff, and/or Spirit Week, there is something for you to remember your years as a Pioneer. 320 pages For (domestic) shipping:   Cost: $30 (tax & shipping included) Make check made payable to "Wes Morse" or pay via PayPal  (40morse@gmail.com) Make sure you send shipping information with your order. Mail to:  Wes Morse c/o Cupertino High
Read more

How to order a copy

Image
ORDER YOUR BOOK TODAY! The History of Cupertino High School: The First 60 years For (domestic) shipping:   Cost: $30 (tax & shipping included) Make check made payable to "Wes Morse" or NEW ! pay via PayPal  (40morse@gmail.com) Make sure you send  shipping information with your order. Mail to:  Wes Morse c/o Cupertino High School 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 Want to pick it up at CHS? (main office) Cost: $25 (let me know when you are planning to come) Questions?  wes_morse@fuhsd.org
Read more