A Well-Lived Life - A Tribute To Jim Hash

A WELL

LifeLIVED A TRIBUTE TO JIM HASH

by Jean Eisenmann | photo courtesy of Argyle ISD

Some citizens of Denton County might react with a nod of recognition when hearing the name Jim Hash. Residents of Argyle simply smile. This year, however, the smiles will be of remembrance. Jim passed away peacefully on February 15th.

Jim served 10 years as the Director of Maintenance for Argyle ISD before retiring in 2017. He was responsible for the overall operation of every building, a comprehensive role that called for a great deal of interaction with people. Everyone who knew him liked him. And he knew a lot of people. Born in Ballinger, Texas, Jim moved to Denton County in 2007. Coincidentally, Argyle ISD Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright also hailed from Ballinger. Jim’s abilities and experience qualified him to fill the job opening as Director of Maintenance and Transportation for the Argyle ISD. Later, the position was divided, and Jim became Director of Maintenance. “We worked together on several projects,” Dr. Wright reflected. “Jim and I worked with a contractor to make cosmetic improvements to the administrative building. He also was instrumental in many other renovations and several asbestos abatements to keep our facilities up to date.”

In 2008, he was responsible for renovation of the intermediate school. In 2014, he helped do the same for the current middle school in Canyon Falls.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Jim drove the school trailer to football games, took the band trailer to San Antonio for competitions, and

What was sure to be another of Jim’s fondest memories involved a catfish.

performed many other acts of volunteerism. In addition to his positive association with ISD personnel, Jim maintained a good relationship with the City of Argyle, Argyle PD, firefighters, and other community first responders. In fact, Jim initiated an annual “community thank you” event for maintenance personnel, police, and fire departments to recognize them with a community dinner held at the school between Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Jim even did some barbecuing,” Dr. Wright said, “but the event became so big we had to have it catered. To this day, we still host the gathering.” What was sure to be another of Jim’s fondest memories involved a catfish. In 2011, the ISD hired a roofing company to repair damage caused by a hail storm, and this company was known to throw an annual fishing tournament. Jim was invited to participate, and he caught a 53-pound catfish and won a trophy!

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Jim drove the school trailer to football games, took the band trailer... to competitions, and performed many other acts of volunteerism.

Once Jim retired, he made it clear that he was more than happy to remain accessible to ISD staff for answering any questions they had about the grounds and buildings.

Sadly, Jim’s 70th birthday party in July 2020 was the last time many of his Argyle friends saw him.

Dr. Wright seems to speak for all of Argyle ISD when she says, “Jim was congenial, cooperative, and did his best to make the district all that it could be.”

Jim’s manner was amiable, and he always wore a smile. It’s nice to think that he just might be smiling down on us right now.