James Stanley Head died unexpectedly on July 25 at age 61.
He was a musician’s musician.
He started playing the trumpet and serving as drum major in “that Liberal Band” at Liberal High School in Liberal, Kansas. He performed with the Madrigals. From there, he went to the Million Dollar Band at the University of Alabama during the close of the Paul Bryant era.
At the University, he was a member of the Mallet Assembly, also known as Mallet Hall. It was a self-governing scholastic dormitory that produced hundreds of leaders in the state of Alabama, including Head.
While still in college, he worked for Jim Boone, a Pulitzer Prize winner and publisher of the Tuscaloosa News. That led to a 12-year detour from music, as he worked for newspapers, 12 years at Graphics Laser Systems, and in tech support for the University of North Alabama.
He then felt the tug of his true calling in life – teaching and also directing the band. He spent the last 27 years of his life teaching at Addison High School as band director, history and computer teacher, and track coach. A week before Head’s death, he wrote about his life’s accomplishments and adventures. He came close to writing his own obituary:
I have danced in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria in NYC to Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald.
I have heard two U.S. Presidents speak, one twice.
I have played “Hail to the Chief” for the Commander-in-Chief, Ronald Reagan.
I have jumped five times from an aircraft while in flight, a C-130 and a C-141, including once at night.
I have marched in the Million Dollar Band for 5 years.
I have traveled to the Soviet Union, been inside the Kremlin and seen Lenin in his mausoleum.
I have been swimming in the water off of Oahu and Maui.
I have been to Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and flown to Åland.
I have earned two degrees from the University of Alabama, including my master's degree.
I have marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Fiesta Bowl Parade.
I have appreciated my experiences as a band director for 18 years, tried to make each moment count.
I have been successfully and happily married for 27+ years.
I, along with my wonderful wife, have raised and are raising two beautiful kids, one of whom is a special needs young man with autism.
I am greatly looking forward to supporting my daughter as she plays my very own trumpet with “The Famous Maroon Band,” at Mississippi State this fall.
His family and his student family described him as an “uncommonly good man.”
He never spoke a bad word about anybody. One student described him as the, “epitome of a great human – the kind they just don’t make anymore. He didn’t just talk it; he was a model of it.” Another student said, “He made school feel like home and he made every student feel seen, valued and cared for. He was kind, funny and had a way of making you believe in yourself, even on the days you didn’t. I still carry lessons he taught me, not just about the subject, but about life.” His wife called him Mister Rogers because of his gentle and kind demeanor. He loved Star Trek, Star Wars, NASA and all things space. He greatly enjoyed “Lord of the Rings.” He was a gifted photographer and memory keeper for his family and school family. He enjoyed Christmas better than anyone. He was an avid runner and enjoyed much success competing in races. He loved life every day and made every moment count. Words simply are not enough to describe his wonderful life that was well lived and well loved. He left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of so many.
A celebration of Life was held July 30 at Haleyville Methodist Church.
The author, Jim Zeigler, also played trumpet in the Million Dollar Band in the Paul Bryant era and roomed in Mallet Hall.
Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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