International educator and retired Head of School James R. Maggart, age 81, of Hamden, CT, passed away peacefully on November 19, surrounded by his loving family. From his early years on a small farm near Burley, Idaho, education determined Jim’s path in the world. A natural leader and fun-loving scholar-athlete at Burley High School (‘57), Jim lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and tennis, earning both a National Merit scholarship and a basketball scholarship to Northwestern University. He began his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering and later completed a BA in mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1965.  Starting as a math teacher and basketball coach at Skyline High School in Oakland, CA, Jim’s love of learning and teaching led him to an MAT at Brown University and an MBA at Stanford University. From there he pursued educational administration in the United States and abroad.

He made a significant and lasting impact on the three institutions where he served as Head: Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey; St. John’s School in Houston, TX; and Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT. At each, Jim left a legacy of academic excellence, technological innovation, financial stability, and strong programs in arts and athletics. He believed in encouraging and supporting women both as leaders and athletes. At Robert College in Istanbul, along with his appointment of women to key school positions, he started the first girls’ basketball team and led them to a Turkish national championship. He was a consummate teacher and coach who is remembered above all for his patience, encouragement, and calm guidance. Jim passed his rich experiences and perspectives on to generations of educators he mentored, including his three children, and to the schools he advised all over our world. As Board Chair of Robert College and The Country School, a partner at Educators’ Collaborative, and a leader in international school accreditations for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Jim worked and volunteered to improve the lives of countless students and educators. He was always trusted for his gentle honesty, sensible counsel, good humor, and warm, steady presence. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his students and special joy in their athletic success, as well as in the many connections he maintained with dedicated colleagues over the years.

Much as he loved his profession, nothing was more important to Jim than family. While working a summer job in California during college, he met his future wife Kaye, who was the love of his life for 60 years. They shared a common path in teaching, a passion for international adventure, and a lasting devotion to their children and grandchildren. In his later years, Jim became an avid woodworker, creating segmented bowls and heirloom furniture that fill the homes of his family and their summer house in New Hampshire. These offer enduring reminders of his talent, quiet humility, and generous affection. In addition to his wife, Kaye, Jim is survived by his three children: Stephanie Johnson (Philip) of Guilford, CT; Michael Maggart of Austin, TX; and Aylin Flanagan (Michael) of Winchester, MA; as well as his sister, Carol Wilson (Arthur) of Portland, OR; and his five grandchildren: Hannah Martin (Niall), Sarah and Wiley Johnson, and Liam and Brendan Flanagan. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in Jim’s memory to the James R. Maggart Scholarship Fund at Hamden Hall, Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale New Haven Health, or a charity or school of your choice.

James R. Maggart Scholarship Fund, Hamden Hall Country Day School, 1108 Whitney Ave.,Hamden, CT 06517 https://www.hamdenhall.org/giving/give-today or Yale New Haven Hospital, Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979, Phone: 203-688-9644Email: giving@ynhh.org https://www.givetoynhh.org/