James Thompson:  

I graduated from Sierra High School in 1965. I went right into college and got my draft notice the Monday after I graduated from college on a Friday in 1969.. I was drafted into the USMC and because of my art major in college, God blessed me with a job in the Marine Corps as an illustrator. After I got out of the military I went right to grad school at CSULB and received an MA in Drawing and Painting in 1975, then onto teaching followed by my Ed.D. in Art Education from Illinois State U, Normal, Illinois, and subsequent teaching position at Azusa Pacific University. My wife and I have 8 children and 22 grand children, three of which are great grand children. In 2016, I retired after my 25th year as an art professor at Azusa Pacific University; 40 years total teaching art if all earlier schools combined. At our 45th Sierra high school reunion, I was saddened to hear that our Sierra HS art teacher, Mr. Hardy, had passed away. During my senior year at Sierra, Mr. Hardy said: "Thompson, you should pursue art!" His expertise and enthusiasm gave me a real push. I so wish I could tell him "THANK YOU MR. HARDY! I DID PURSUE ART". In retirement, I'm still painting😊. My life has been so blessed. I love God, my wife, our kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. By the way, i...Expand for more