James R. Brim, age 80, of Jacksonville, Illinois and formerly of Perry, Illinois died early Friday (November 12, 2010) at the Jacksonville Convalescent Center in Jacksonville, IL. He was born July 7, 1930 in Jacksonville, IL, son of the late Robert L. and Genevive L. Dorsey Brim. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Brim was a graduate of Perry High School and attended Illinois College before attending the University of Illinois receiving a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education. He was a member of the Illinois National Guard, serving in Okinawa, Japan and following the military, taught Vocational Agriculture at schools in Barry, IL and Franklin, IL and while in Franklin, became assistant football coach as well as teaching adult agriculture classes. He received his Master's degree from the University of Illinois and then became Principal at Triopia Schools, later becoming Superintendent as well as Principal. Retiring in 1985, he became interim Superintendent for North Greene schools and later accepted a job as Superintendent of Natural Resources with the Illinois Department of Conservation retiring in 1999. Mr. Brim also preached at several Church of Christ churches in the area including Perry, IL, Browning, IL and Meredosia, IL. He was a member of the Parkway Church of Christ in Springfield, IL. He was also a member of Illinois High School Association board, and while on the board, he lead the association in creating the class system for sports and introduced girls sports on the statewide level. While a member of the IHSA he also served as secretary, vice president, and president. He also served on the National Federation of State High School Association board. He was a past trustee of the Passavant Hospital board, a past director of Chapin State Bank, past president of the Illinois Education Association, past member of Illinois Christian Camp board and the Tri State Christian Camp board. He was also a past Cub Scout leader in Jacksonville, IL. He enjoyed writing, writing articles for the Jacksonville Journal Courier, writing the agriculture chapter in the book Morgan County the 20th Century. He was a referee for the IHSA. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, farming and his many dogs.