James A. Pringle III

JAMES ALEXANDER PRINGLE III died December 26, 2008 at Park Place Manor Nursing Home in Belton, Texas. He was born October 24, 1922. Upon retirement from the University of Texas Drama Department in the late 80s Jim discovered Salado and decided to build a house there. He became active in the community serving on committees and bringing his expertise to the Art Fair, Highland Games and Central Texas Area Museum and was on the committee that developed the old school into the new Community Center. His passion was for the Salado Democrats, where he served for many years. He was well known throughout his adopted town. Jim was a devoted animal lover and over the course of his life rescued and loved many dogs and cats. His two best friends toward the end of his life were his cats Maude and Tom who slept with him every night until he moved earlier this month to the nursing home. He said that he always wanted to be remembered as a friend to animals. Jim was born in Pittsfield, MA. He served in WWII first in the Veterinary Corps then in the Quartermaster Corp in France. He went to the Parsons School of Design and Fordham University in New York City, was recruited by Margo Jones to help start and run her theatre in Dallas, and was later brought to the University of Texas by Loren Winship in the 1950s. Mr. Pringle, as he was known to just about everyone, left his greatest legacy in the form of the many students who passed through the Drama Department over the years. He was very proud of their accomplishments. He instilled a sense of responsibility, history and a strong work ethic. He believed in the power of a person's reputation to carry one through life. He was a very private person who believed in minding his own business. He loved Scotland and took great pride in his Scottish heritage. He always dealt honorably with everyone. Jim and his wife Rita Cohen Pringle were married in Brooklyn, NY after the war. Rita died in Austin in 1971. They loved each other very much and were well known in Dallas and Austin as a fun loving, entertaining couple. Jim always respected Rita as a fine judge of people. She could be intimidating; he could be almost pixyish. Together they made a fine pair. In his later years Jim became friend and benefactor to several gay men with AIDS who benefited greatly from his love and care. Jim is survived by his sister Muriel Poulos, nephew James Poulos, dear friend Leslie Rollins and his partner Dave Bradley, and longtime friend Paul Coates. There will be a memorial service in Salado in late spring or summer. If you would like to honor Jim's memory you may make a donation to any animal related charity of your choice; the Rita C. Pringle Scholarship Fund at the UT Law School; or to your local hospice care agency.