This year when MGHS alumni gather for the annual reunion and banquet, someone will be missing. James W. "Jim" Salyer, Class of 1947, who devoted his retirement years to working on behalf of the MGHS Alumni Memorial Foundation (Alumni Park) and the MGHS Alumni Association passed away in February.
Jim came on board in 1991 during the formation of the Memorial Foundation and stayed to help guide the first faltering steps toward the building of Alumni Park. He served as both president and treasurer during his tenure. Almost every aspect of the park bears the mark of his guidance in it's creation. He insisted on excellence in workmanship for each new construction program and was in the park on a daily basis to make sure that expectations were being carried out. As treasurer he managed park funds in an exceptional manner, always meticulous in the records he kept and trustworthy in the investments he made to benefit both the Foundation and the Alumni Association where he also served as treasurer.
Jim was an Air Force veteran and retired from the National Fish and Wildlife Service. He loved the outdoors from boyhood and continued to be on call for advice from both national and state wildlife conservation agencies. He belonged to several civic organizations and was a member of the First Christian Church.
Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Wanda Sims and they had two children, Mark and Marsha. Marsha and her husband, Kent Jorgensen with their children, came every year to participate in alumni activities in Mountain Grove. They were on hand to set up tables and chairs, sweep, clean and do whatever they could to help in Alumni Park. They plan to be here this year (2010) as a plaque in honor of Jim is dedicated in the park.
Jim later married Neva (Smyer) Bryant and she was an encouraging helpmate to him. She was as enthusiastic about his alumni activities as he was and assisted him wherever possible through participation and her computer skills. Their lives were active and full with golf, travel, church and family.
One of the early slogans for Alumni Park fundraising was Make Your Mark In The Park. Jim Salyer made his mark many times over as he labored over the years in the interest of the Mountain Grove community. His legacy is one of service and dedication. Alumni Park is his defining achievement.
- Submitted by Mary Ann Frazee -
Secretary, MGHS Alumni Memorial Foundation