Longtime educator, friend to DeKalb, James P. Brewer dies
By Kenny Mitchell
Publisher
Longtime educator James Brewer passed away in his home Monday afternoon after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
Mr. Brewer spent 17 years of his 40-year career in education at the DeKalb Independent School District from 1990 to 2007, before moving to share his life and talents with the Longview ISD in 2008. He served as the Superintendent of DeKalb ISD for 10 of those years.
He was known during his years in education as an exceptional leader, and a leader that cared more for the teachers and students under his charge than himself. Mr. Brewer was also an exceptional coach, earning accolades from his peers both as a coach and an administrator. Those accolades included Coach of the Year, Principal of the Year and Superintendent of the Year recognitions.
Mr. Brewer was also a civic minded man serving various organizations including the DeKalb Kiwanis Club and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, as well as the NAACP.
He was also a man of deep faith, serving as a church leader at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb, and as a deacon at Galilee Baptist Church in Longview.
Fiercely devoted to his work and his faith, James Brewer was equally devoted to his family, including wife Sophia, and children Jeren, Halee, Alex and Kiersten.
Sophia Brewer said Tuesday morning, “I know James had tons of friends who all love him so much and you all are most definitely showing it from what I witnessed last night.”
In a message issued today, current DeKalb ISD Superintendent Dr. Donna McDaniel stated, “Mr. Brewer’s character, his humor, and his admirable passion for education was inspiring. While serving as coach, principal, or superintendent at DeKalb, ISD, he was not only an advocate for students, he was a volunteer and advocate for all things DeKalb… He was one of a kind, true gentleman and ultimate educator. I know that he has left his legacy here in DeKalb, Texas. His laugh, his song, his big smile will be missed but his big heart and admirable character will live on in the lives of so many DeKalb Bears. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
The Tribune will have a complete story on the life and career of James Brewer in the Wednesday, July 19th issue.