James Edward Glaze was born September 18, 1956 to Edward F. and Elizabeth Glaze. He attended Bethany Schools and graduated from Putnam City West High School in 1974. Jim was an outstanding basketball player and received numerous awards throughout his playing career. He went on to play basketball at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. Jim finished his basketball career at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva. It was at Northwestern that Jim met the love of his life. Jim and Paula McMartin were united in marriage November 24, 1979. Jim went to be with the Lord Thursday, September 3. He was a gentle giant. He was a humble man who knew the value of hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, strength, and perseverance. Jim loved his Lord and Savior and his family more than anything. His influence is far reaching and he will be greatly missed. After graduating from college in 1981, Jim was the head basketball coach at Laverne, Oklahoma for 2 years. In July 1983, the family moved to Chickasha, where they would reside for the next 31 years. During these years, Jim coached football, basketball and baseball. He taught Civics, Oklahoma History, and Physical Education Classes. Jim was the Assistant Principal of Chickasha Jr. High, and Principal of Lincoln Elementary and Chickasha High School. Jim completed coursework to become certified in Elementary and Secondary Administration at the University of Central Oklahoma. He also acquired his Superintendent's certification from UCO. During the 2003-2004 school year, Jim moved to the Central Office. There he served as Director of Federal Programs and Assistant Superintendent. In July 2005, Jim was named the Superintendent of Chickasha Public Schools. He proudly served the patrons of Chickasha in this capacity until his health forced him to retire after the 2013-2014 school year. That same summer, Jim and Paula moved to Oklahoma City to be closer to their children and doctors. On September 16, 2013, Jim was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He fought this disease the same way he lived his life, with determination and dignity. He never complained and always remained more concerned for others than himself. Jim received a life saving stem cell transplant on February 28, 2014. Despite many complications and frequent hospitalizations, Jim never gave up. Jim was very active in the Chickasha community and First Baptist Church. At First Baptist he served as a deacon, trustee, Sunday School Teacher and choir member. He was a member of many civic organizations and served on various boards. His accolades are numerous, but he would most want others to know about his faith in Christ. He was a man of God and his strong faith carried him through his life journey. His was a life well lived. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Glaze, and mother in law, Joyce McMartin. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Paula; sons, Ryan & Heather Glaze, Tulsa, Dr. Tyler & Hillary Glaze, OKC, Trey Glaze, Canton, OK; father, Edward F. Glaze, OKC; two sisters, Linda & Jim Black, OKC, Debra Thornton, Norman; five grandchildren, who adored him: Avery, Brennan and Olivia Glaze of Tulsa and Cora and Camden Glaze of OKC; father in law, Dayton McMartin of Guthrie; brother in law, Gary & Shannon McMartin, Guthrie; two beloved cousins, Lela Glaze and Mary Morrison; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Always loved, forever missed and never forgotten. The influence of a great teacher can never be erased. Undoubtedly, Jim Glaze has left an indelible influence on so many. The Glaze family would like to acknowledge and thank the doctors and other health providers at the Stephenson Cancer Center and OU Medical Center. Jim received such excellent and personal care at these two facilities. The doctors and nurses treated Jim & Paula as family, always going beyond and above. A special thanks to Dr. Jack Lake, Dr. Allyson Black, and Chelsea Stanfield, who brought food, love, laughter, comfort and encouragement daily during Jim's last hospitalization. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Chickasha Public School Foundation or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Memorial services, under the direction of Mercer Adams Funeral Home, will be held at First Baptist Church, Chickasha on Tuesday, September 8th at 4:00pm. It was Jim's wish to be cremated. Memorial Service Tuesday, September 8, 2015 04:00 PM First Baptist Church of Chickasha 324 W. Colorado Avenue Chickasha, OK