Jimmie Jim L. Orr

Jimmie L. Orr, 77, of Evansville, passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at his home. He was born April 18, 1933, in Murray, KY, the son of Violet (Iglehart) and George M. Orr, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his older brother, Robert G. Orr in 2002; and two sisters, Minnie Weigel and Peggy Ann Orr.

Jim attended Robert E. Lee School (Owensboro), Caze School, Hebron School, and Bosse High School. He graduated from Indiana University (Bloomington) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (1959) in English, French, and Psychology. He also earned a teacher’s license in high school English and French at that time. As a post graduate, he accumulated hours at the Washington University (St. Louis campus), University of Oregon (Tours, France, campus), Institut national des sciences appliqué (Lyon, France), The Ohio State University, and the University of Evansville. In 1965, he was graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Arts in teaching French and Education.

He worked several years as an office clerk at the former C&EI Railroad. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, Jim served stateside during the Korean War. After student teaching at North High School in 1958, Jim was hired the next year by his critic teacher to teach French and English there. He spent 31 years at North teaching four levels of French and occasionally teaching English literature and grammar via television, advanced English composition, freshman composition, and computer technology. He worked as North’s business manager and ticket selling for both dramas and musicals for over 25 years. He served a few years as department head of foreign languages and taught several night school and summer school courses at the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville. He was a member of the original faculty who helped open USI on the old campus at the Lloyd and St. Joseph Avenue.

After retirement from teaching in 1990, Jim worked twelve years at St. Mary’s Medical Center both as an employee in Spiritual Care and Education and as a volunteer in Volunteer Services as an administrator assistant, newsletter editor, treasurer, and office clerk in the Gift Shoppe. He then became a volunteer for the Veteran Affairs outpatient clinic in Evansville in the Pharmacy.

Jimmie is survived by his brothers, John Orr of Evansville and George Orr of Oakland City; and sister, Sue Allen of Evansville; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Robert Nall, with entombment at Park Lawn Mausoleum. Friends may visit Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Charlier Hospice Center, 610 E. Walnut, Evansville, IN 47713 or Veterans Association, 500 E. Walnut, Evansville, IN 47713.