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Janice James taught 2nd grade for her entire 28-year career with Princeton ISD. She started teaching after her graduation from North Texas State Teachers College (now UNT) in 1942. For her first job in Levelland, she earned $105 a month.

She came to Princeton ISD in 1952 and immediately made an impact on the 2nd-graders in her classroom. This continued until her retirement in 1980. Her longtime co-worker, Dianne Talley, said Mrs. James lived by a certain standard.

“She always had a guide for her life,” she said. “God first, family second and job third. If you get those things in that order, the job comes easy.”

In addition to co-workers, her impact on students is lasting, including Allyson Price, who was in Mrs. James class in 1978.

“After her class, I knew exactly what I wanted to be,” Mrs. Price said. “I had the best example of what to do in my classroom. A place known for kindness, inclusion, and one where we always look for the best in people. Mrs. James gave me that.”

But, more importantly, she remembers Mrs. James' smile.

“She made learning fun, connected and built relationships with each of us, so, because of her, we knew we could do hard things,” Mrs. Price said. “Forty-six years later, I don’t remember what she taught me, but I do remember how she made me feel."