Obituary James Francis Marran July 25, 1930 - April 26, 2020
James F. (Jim) Marran, a long-time Wilmette resident, recently of Winnetka, died April 26, 2020 at his home after a brief illness. He was 89.
Jim was born July 25, 1930 in Wilmington, Del., to Francis and Grace (Healy) Marran. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross, then earned his Master’s degree at the University of Maryland, where he first glimpsed Barbara Hammond giving a tour in the campus library; shortly after they officially met at the university’s Newman Club. James and Barbara were wed August 25, 1956 in New Haven, Conn.
The couple moved to Evanston as Jim began his long and storied tenure at New Trier High School, an association that would continue for the rest of his days. Jim’s life represented the best of the New Trier motto: “To commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity.”
His New Trier career spanned five decades from 1956-93. In addition to teaching liberal arts courses including world regional geography, social studies, and history, Jim also served as social studies department chairman at both New Trier East and West. Jim was part of the faculty at West for the life of the school (1965-81).
He played a role in the creation of a second school as well as the West-East merger. When the schools combined in 1982, retaining the Winnetka campus, Jim’s trademark diplomacy and mastery of history and geography came into play, according to a memory penned by a former student upon hearing of his passing.
As hundreds of people with conflicting opinions on the new colors and mascots spoke before a transition committee, a resolution seemed impossible. Jim spoke on the final day of the public hearing, weaving a solution that involved the Roman ruins featured on the New Trier seal depicting the gate to Trier, Germany, the Roman soldiers at the outpost, and the Latin name for its citizens.
He also told of how Germans who emigrated to Chicago were reminded of their homeland by the blue lake and the green fauna. The presentation resulted in a landslide vote; the Trevians’ Roman soldier mascot and blue and green school colors were born.
This is just one example of the outpouring of stories from students, advisees, and colleagues about Jim’s peaceful demeanor, expansive knowledge, and deep connection to the New Trier community.
He retired from New Trier in 1993, leaving the building but not the school. He was a loyal supporter of the Trevian Association of Retired Personnel and served on a committee for the New Trier Archives. With TARP, Jim sent beautiful notes that kept retirees in touch with each other and with New Trier. He played a vital role in the establishment of the New Trier Educational Foundation, serving on the board from 2005-14. NTEF’s James F. Marran Endowment Fund for Professional Development was launched in 2017. All four of Jim and Barbara’s children and three of their grandchildren graduated from New Trier.
Beyond New Trier, Jim worked on geography education on a national level. He served as a contributing author of Geography for Life: National Geography Standards and was especially committed to promoting standards-based geography instruction and improved assessment models that measure student achievement through multiple strategies. Jim helped to pilot and implement the High School Geography Project in the late 1960s and was the first project coordinator for the Geography Education National Implementation Project (GENIP), a key writer on the National Geography Standards project, and was the driving force behind AP Human Geography, uniting support from multiple national geography associations to bring it to fruition. Jim received the 2003 Gilbert Grosvenor Honors Award for Geography Education from the Association of American Geographers for his contributions to promoting geography instruction in the nation’s K-12 schools. His final project in recent years was creating questions for The National Geography Challenge for grades 1-12.
A member of the Holy Cross Class of 1952, Jim cherished his ties to his alma mater throughout his life. He attended his 50-year reunion in 2002, where he was honored as a member of the Purple Knights for his half-century of alumni involvement. He fostered communication between classmates until his last days.
Among Jim’s countless volunteer endeavors was his service as both a curriculum writer and educator for Cristo Rey High School in Chicago. Jim also served at Camp Gordon in Georgia during the Korean War as a Communication Center Specialist and as an Instructor.
Jim’s most important titles were husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother, and brother-in-law. He was a tireless supporter of his family’s activities, education, and careers, and was always there to “have a catch.” As his family grew to include grandchildren he became the creator of games, and the instigator of adventures. He showed a sincere interest in every aspect of their lives, and he adored and was amused by his young great grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara; children Jay (Francine) Marran, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Julia Marran (Jim Grosh), Wilmette; David (Laura) Marran, Kenosha, Wis.; and Paul (Jeannine) Marran, Winnetka and Wilmette; grandchildren Michael (Kimi) Marran, Hermosa Beach, Calif; Laura (Greg) Wicks, Phoenix, Ariz.; Katie (David) Nolder, Kenosha, Wis.; Elizabeth Marran, Minneapolis, Minn.; Luke Marran, Denver, Colo., Jack Grosh, Wilmette, and Calvin Marran, Wilmette; and great-grandchildren Wesley and Siena Marran, Kellen and Theodore Wicks, and James Nolder; sister-in-law Theresa Marran, West Chester, Penn., nephew Matthew (Megan) Marran, Parkesburg, Penn., and their children Hannah and Thomas Marran. He was preceded in death by his brother John Marran.
Donations can be made to The New Trier Educational Foundation-Marran Endowment Fund or The New Trier Township Food Pantry.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be announced at a later date.
“You go to the place you always thought you would go, the place you kept lit in an alcove above your head.” - From “The Afterlife” by Billy Collins, Jim’s favorite poet, and a fellow Holy Cross alumnus
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.
5 trees planted in memory of James Francis Marran
From Suzanne Adams
June 19, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the world for having loss Jim Marran
A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Francis Marran.
Joseph Kuhn Carey
May 19, 2020
A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Francis Marran.
Joe Carey
May 19, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Marran's recent passing! What a terrific history teacher he was, making the past come to life in that soft-spoken but commanding voice of his, with a constant hint of humor in his eyes. He also sometimes gave us a long exploratory leash in class (allowing four of us to bring in an old five-foot-high radio box cover and big band recordings to recreate a 1940s radio announcer/entertainment scene for a final project, and earlier that year, allowing me to submit a somewhat offbeat historical paper on the "Origin of The Hot Dog," as well). Mr. Marran also kindly wrote recommendation letters for me when I applied to colleges (but he also asked me to apply to his beloved alma mater, Holy Cross, too, which I happily did!) and totally surprised me by turning up at a poetry reading I was giving for my first book of poetry in 2014! How wonderful it was to see him there and be able read my poems in front of one of my mentors! There seems to be a historical slant in my poetry books and my book on jazz--and, without a doubt--I owe this love of history and looking at (as well as rethinking) the past to my time as a student spent at New Trier in Mr. Marran's wonderful, riveting history classes. A true gentleman through and through who loved his family, his students, poetry by Billy Collins, and New Trier! He's surely at home in the heavens now, resting easily on the clouds in soft rays of sunshine, the "new" realms of history happening below a joy to watch with a special star-gazing telescope that sees all and watches over his family with a warm, glowing heart, mind and eye. Thanks for the inspiration! With heartfelt thanks, Joe Carey New Trier West, Class of '75
Joe Braun, New Trier Class of '62
May 19, 2020
Mr. Marran was my freshman history teacher in 1958. He made history exciting with a dynamic teaching style that included events like coming in through the classroom window and wearing a kilt. We didn't just sit and listen we were engaged. I became a professor of teacher education and occasionally used him as an example of how to engage student in subject matter. Joseph Braun, PhD.
Karen Evans and Family
May 18, 2020
A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Francis Marran.
Jack Giles
May 2, 2020
A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Francis Marran.
Judith Alger
May 1, 2020
A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Francis Marran.
Katie Anthony
May 1, 2020
A favorite NTW teacher. Rest in peace.
JAMES MARRAN OBITUARY
Marran, James F. It is with profound sadness that we relay the passing of James F. Marran, age 89, of Winnetka. He was the devoted husband of Barbara Marran, nee Hammond; the proud and loving father of James (Francine) Marran, Julia (Jim Grosh) Marran, David (Laura) Marran, Paul (Jeannine) Marran. He was the delighted grandpa of Michael (Kimi), Laura (Greg), Jack, Kathryn (David), Elizabeth, Luke, Calvin and was also lucky enough to be the adoring and amused great grandpa of Wesley, Siena, Kellen, Theodore, and James. Throughout his life he was the loyal brother of the late John (Theresa) Marran. A celebration of Jim's life will be announced at a later date. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to New Trier Educational Fund-Marran Fund, 7 Happ Road, Northfield, IL 60093 or New Trier Township Food Pantry, 739 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093. As a tribute to Jim, please pour yourself a bourbon Manhattan tonight and toast his memory and long life. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.
Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 3, 2020.
Mr. Marran was my favorite teacher at New Trier West. I was in the graduating class of 1979. Although it has been many years my fond memories include
James to be soft spoken, kind, gentle, very smart, and drew in his audience with his knowledge and thought provoking perspectives. He was the kind of teacher you never forget over time because he always wore a suit looking very professional and loved teaching. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by many. My condolences to your family.
Susan Cable
Student
May 21, 2020
Deepest condolences to the family
Patrick
May 6, 2020
Jim was a loyal friend and mentor for many colleagues who were honored to work with him. His kindness, patience, humility and wise counsel helped many in their difficult moments. He freely shared his love of learning and teaching with student and colleagues. I learned much from Jim and valued my time with him in our many joint projects. His substantial contributions to geography education live on and will endure. I offer my heartfelt condolences at this time of sadness and grief.
Robert Morrill
Friend
May 1, 2020
A loving and widely-respected man
Jack Giles
Friend
May 1, 2020
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