One morning when I walked into Big Jim Pounder's Ag. Shop class at Ephrata High School, he asked me if I had applied to college yet.  I replied, "No, but I was thinking about it."  Jim then said, "I thought not.  So I have an application form for you from my alma mater, WSC.  I want it filled out by Friday morning, or you will spend the rest of the day in my office completing it."  I filled it out. I graduated from WSU, went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics at the U of MN, and spent 45 great years in college teaching. I've sometimes wondered what my life's path would have been without the push from Jim Pounder. Thank you Jim Pounder.

I taught at Auburn High School with Jim Pounder for a number of years.  I also lived two houses from him in Forest Villa.  My son was a good friend of Donnie.  I enjoyed playing golf with him several times, once on Anderson Island after we were both retired.  He was a friendly man and I appreciated his friendship very much.

I began my teaching career at Auburn High in 1963 and Jim Pounder was a veteran teacher a couple of doors down the hall from me. I was complaining about having trouble getting my students attention and interested in science. Jim told me he had a couple of chemical demonstrations that would be guaranteed to get their attention. I did the two demonstrations and certainly got the student's attention. Because of my lack of experience I overdid the demonstrations and for many years there was a black spot in the ceiling tile to remind me. Jim helped me get through that first year and fifty years later I am still teaching.

I worked with Jim for many years at Auburn HS.  He was a great guy and I was always amazed at his patience with kids who could be a real challenge.  Kind thoughts I send to his family.

The year was 1960 and Mr.Pounder had transitioned from teaching to become an insurance underwriter for New York Life Ins. Co. My father, Dick Lucas was considering becoming and agent and Mr Pounder was in our living room talking to him about the profession.  I entered the room and Mr Pounder, who knew me from Ephrata High School where he had been the principal and my JV basketball coach, asked where I was going to go to college.  I replied that Central Washington was my goal. He said that not only was college important but  it was also important to attend the biggest and best college available. Of course he recommended WSU.  The more I thought about it the more sense it made and because of his suggestion I changed direction and ended up attending WSU where I became a ROTC cadet and subsequently a career USAF officer.  I will always credit Mr Pounder for his sound advice that opened for me much greater horizons than had I been left on my own.

I taught Science in the same department alongside Jim at Auburn High School for many years.  I knew him to be a patient teacher who cared about his students.  We played golf many times;  he would invite several of us to his home on the golf course on Anderson Island and Howard Webb would take us all over there in his boat.  We'd spend the day golfing and enjoying Bonnie's delicious cinnamon monkey fists. I'll miss Jim and his Christmas messages.  My condolences to Gary and Donald.  Your Dad was one of a kind.  Bless him.

I graduated from Auburn High (1953) and 
taught at AHS (from 1961-1966). Jim was
one of the first teachers I met at the 
Welcome To Auburn High faculty.
 

 We both were golf nuts.(side bar): Jim was my caddie in WA State Open in 1974 played at Meridian Valley CC in Kent(he even carried my clubs!)
By not listening to his advice on the 18th
hole..(he told me to lay up; pitch on
and make a routine putt.} I thought, "No Way!" Took out my fairway club and
plunked it into the pond surrounding the island green. After the penalty stroke, I made a bogie and tied for the
lead in our Flight on gross score. Had 
to settle for 2nd place. 
Jim did not say a word. He just shook
his head, kicked the grass: I felt like
breaking my fairway wood.

He was my chemistry teacher in 1981. He made me like science.

It is always sad to hear news of an AHS teacher's departing. Though I did not have Mr. Pounders for a teacher, I remember him as part of the staff. Donny was my desk partner in Seniora Brewer's Spanish class. Sorry for your loss, Donny. Class of 1972

I was a real screw-up in class, One time I put too much of a chemical in a glass plate and it blew up and made a hole in the table. He walked over to me and said in a calm voice "please do not do that again" and walked away. I still passed the class. He was a very gentle and patient man. He was one of a kind and will be missed.

Mr. Pounder was always patient with his students and he took the time to explain if you did not get  it the first time.  He was a kind man and I learned a lot from him.  He was truly a one of a kind.

Craig Boyes
class of 1980

I had him for chemistry in 1981 and I believe that was the year he retired. He made learning fun.  He will be missed.

Mr. Pounder was my chemistry teacher and golf coach. He made learning interesting and fun. He had a gentle spirit, wonderful sense of humor and a very kind way about him. 
Kim McAdams (AHS 74)

Made studying chemistry a joy.  Remembered with great fondness.  His family are in our prayers

I just heard the news from his son Don. Mr Pounder was my chemistry teacher and made coming to class such a joy. I spent many days over at their home and he was such a great guy. My condolences to his family.

OBITUARIO

James Lawrence Pounder

31 diciembre, 1921 – 21 agosto, 2014

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