A friend just let me know that Mr. Cortez had passed, so I want to offer love and my deepest condolences to his family and share this photo I recently came across when I found an old album from high school. He had just won Teacher of the Year at graduation in 1989. Mr. Cortez was my favorite teacher at Bolles, and I'm certain I'm not alone in that fan club, as there were quite a few of us in my own class who loved him because he offered us solace, respect and joy in his welcoming classroom. He always kept his doors open, probably knowing that some of us needed a quiet space to gather with others to get away from the b.s. of high school. What a gift. I also vividly remember days when he'd teach a whole class without saying a word, using the chalkboard and gestures to cue us students to fill in the nonverbal blanks. It was a brilliant way of keeping us on our toes! Thank you Mr. Cortez. Rest in peace.

I will never forget the time Mr. Cortez dumped an entire container of baking soda (a storage container, not a simple store-shelf box) on me to neutralize a hydrochloric acid spill.  This was clearly effective, as I experienced no chemical burns.  I did, however trail baking soda through the halls and to my next class.  Also memorable was the time he dropped a large lump of lead from chest-height to demonstrate that metal is malleable and so would change its shape from impact with the floor.  Maybe it did, and maybe it didn't, we were all more interested in the large dent in the floor that lasted until after I graduated.  Also memorable was the time he accidentally burned a test I had taken and was ill-prepared for following a long childhood sickness, this along with a number of other items on his desk.  I have since been both a Chemistry teacher and a research scientist, often citing my high school teacher Mr. Cortez as my source of inspiration to pursue a career in science.  I have had the privilege of having world-class educators and mentors, but none left the impact that Mr. Cortez did, on me or the floor, and I am very grateful to have been his student.  Chemistry is a noble field that attracts noble people and equips one to contemplate life's greatest mysteries, making us better men, husbands, and fathers.  My condolences to his family, who I am sure have a big hole to fill.  Ryan Smith, class of 2011.

I have reminisced this morning about Mr. Cortez, though I wasn’t a runner and whoever taught me chemistry was no fun at all. Emilie -  it is more through you  that I got a glimpse at who Mr. Cortez was beyond a teacher at Bolles. You and I took ballet together with Dulce Anaya, and I remember Jim coming to see you perform.  He always made sure to say a kind word to  me as well, which made me feel special. Thank you for putting some ballet in the scientist’s life, and may your happy memories bring comfort during this time of loss.

Jim coached and taught all 6 Sales siblings as well as so many more Bolles students.
Learning under Jim was easy as his enthusiasm,. joy of what he was about and humor pervaded the science and the sport he mentored.
The. respect and indeed affection he engendered is and will be a unique legacy. Bolles will continue to enjoy the reflected  light of
his presence and contributions.
Barry Sales '59

Mr. Cortez was truly unique and special.  To the Cortez family: “laughing, loving and making mischief” nailed it.  I cannot imagine any way to make AP Chemistry fun but Mr. Cortez’s Annual Mad Scientist Show where setting your desk on fire to the Doors tune of “Light My Fire” did the job!  

While he was quick to laugh (and quicker to make YOU laugh), he loved you and I believe the students felt this and reciprocated this love – especially today when we think back to our high school years and remember his primary life lesson that it is always best to laugh.  

Jim I hope you found some CH₃COOH and C₂H₆O and CaCO3, lit a fire and are making everyone laugh up there.  Thank you from your students for your lessons and love and condolences to the Cortez family.  Your love, your sideburns and the beige VW beetle will never be forgotten.

Keith Anderson, Bolles 1990

Mr. Cortez was our coach, mentor and friend.  He devoted countless hours every afternoon and on weekends to coach us, train with us and inspire us.  Freshman year we entered the District meet as underdogs and left as champions.  From there we went on to win the State Championship.  Jim Cortez along with Coach Rodney Smith coached dozens and dozens of runners over the years.  So many of us are forever grateful.  Sending sincere condolences to the family.

Coach Cortez was always fun and supportive.  I think he may have paid out of pocket for our matching cross country windbreakers. We were so proud to take our warmup jogs in those before a meet. I still have mine.  Had him for chemistry too but I don't remember any desks catching on fire at that time.

Elizabeth Baum Benson, Bolles '84

Like many, Mr. Cortez was one of my favorite teachers at Bolles. Even 35 years after I graduated I still from time to time share stories of the things we created or set on fire in his classroom. He was definitely one of the great ones and will be missed. My prayers and condolences to his family, friends and so many fortunate students.

Mr. Cortez was my honors chemistry teacher at Bolles high school in 1989. I'm sorry to say I know nothing of chemistry (other than I'm attracted to my wife), but I learned so much about life and how to be a good human being from him. He was my favorite teacher, and I cannot overstate the impact he had on me, who I am today and consequently my life. I tried a few times to reconnect with him over the last few years without success so I could tell him that, and let him know how grateful I am for having had him in my life.

The world is a better place for having had him in it. May his memory be a blessing.

Honored I had the chance to teach with Jim. Such a kind and fun fellow.  Will never forget when the football players physically lifted his classic VW Bug and placed it on the front ELEVATED area of the front lawn. Bolles. Not where it could be driven off. He loved it. So did the students. They did it because they loved him. 
Jim was a very special friend/gentleman. He will be missed.
🙏❤️
“Ms. B”
Angela

Mr. Cortez is an absolute legend of a teacher. I spent many mornings in Mr. Cortez’s room for zero hour with classmates. He always knew how  to intrigue and challenge students, all while keeping us laughing. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed! I am lucky to have made memories in his class. Love and hugs to the entire family!

Mr. Cortez. My favorite teacher. As an alumni of the Bolles school class of 1980 if you were to ask me who was the most kind encouraging understanding teacher I would without a doubt answer my chemistry teacher Mr. Cortez of course. My prayers go out to his family. He will be greatly missed. He touched the soul of so many people.

I loved working with Jim Cortez!  You never knew what kind of fun he had planned for his lesson of the day!  Jim was always quick to share a smile and often entertained us with some of his stories.  He loved sharing news about his family and their latest trips.
Jim will be missed!  Condolences to his lovely family

Cynthia Harcrow
Bolles School

I enjoyed having Mr. Cortez as my chemistry teacher at Bolles--he loved concocting things!  Thoughts and prayers are with his family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James Anthony Cortez

9 mai 1948 – 23 août 2025

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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