James Wilber Pool

James W. (Jim) Pool of Golden, CO passed away on February 12, 2019 at Golden Pond Retirement Community. Jim was born February 26, 1928 in Albany, MO. He graduated from Albany High School class of 1945. Jim served in the United States Navy Seabee’s WWII. He was honorable discharge July 1946. Following the end of the WWII Jim attended Northwest Missouri State College graduating in 1951 with a B.S. in Secondary Education and Business Administration.

Jim married Betty L. Davis, July 27, 1952 in Gallatin, MO. Their love began as college sweethearts. Jim and Betty were married 66 years. Together they enjoyed life’s journey to many states and counties. They made their homes in St. Joseph, Missouri, Gladstone Missouri, Edina Minnesota and retired in Tucson Arizona in 1990. Jim and Betty made their last move to Colorado to be closer to family in 2007.

For 55 years Jim was a professional photographer. He owned two portrait studios for 18 years with his wife Betty. He specialized in senior portraits, weddings and commercial photography.

Jim was hired in 1955 at National School Studios, known today as Lifetouch Inc. He retired in 1990 as Corporate Director of Photography completing 35 years of employment. Jim enjoyed his career with Lifetouch, he would describe his work with a big smile on his face, with a whistle in his day and a infectious laugh to all. When he arrived to the schools’ for “PICTURE DAY”, the kids would refer to him as the “PICTURE MAN. He photographed over 1 million school children, driving 3 million travel miles to make unforgettable memories.

Jim was a member of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) for many years. He joined the Professional School Photographer s Association (PSPA) in 1959 and served as President in 1987 – 1988. He served as the Associations Technical Advisor beginning 1991.

Jim resided at Golden Pond Retirement Community since 2015, where he enjoyed the activities field trips and fellowship. Jim found a new interest in oil painting and with the Art Teacher, Janie Hawkins (whom also resided at Golden Pond). Jim’s interest in Janie quickly developed into a young love. Together they made a lifetime of memories in just a few years. They enjoyed traveling to Estes Park, Winter Park, Grand Lake and other locations within Colorado. They also visited Santa Fe, New Mexico and to Janie’s home state of Texas. Their last trip was Christmas week of 2018, a 7 day Caribbean Cruise

Jim and Betty have 2 children:

Rod and Linda Pool of St. Joseph, MO. 2 Grandchildren Darby and Alaysha Pool 3 Great Grandchildren, Sara, Fenix, and Ella of Olathe, KS Darcy (Pool) Page 2 Great Grandchildren , Randall Houston, TX and Chey of Overland Park, KS.

Jamie (Pool) Griffin and Stan Davis of Arvada CO. 3 Grandchildren Jamison of Englewood CO, Caitlyn (Griffin) and Andy Franklin 1 Great Grandchild Ash James of Littleton CO. Jeremy Griffin and Shaun Kramer of Pagosa Springs CO.

Other Missouri kids: Darrell and Joy Shackelford and Jeff and family of St. Charles, MO.

Jim’s ashes will be at rest at St. Joseph Memorial Park along side of Betty.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty L Pool , March 21, 2015 Mother Goldie Pearl Pool, Father Orr Wilber Pool, Great Grandchildren Cheyenne and Chance.

Organizations, Awards and Activities:

President of the Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity 1950-51, Alpha Psi Omega, Dramatics Club

Jim received the honor of being selected for “Who’s Who’s American Colleges and Universities in 1951.

Jim was a member of the Masonic, Shriners International, Past President of Sabar Temple of Tucson, AZ. A lifetime of fellowship in community and church organization of his hometowns. Sponsor of New

Generation Singers of St. Joseph, MO.

Professional Marketing Association (PMA) Distinguished Service Award in 1991.

The International Photographic Council, the NGO of the United Nations presented “THE LEADSHERSHIP AWARD” to Jim of (PSPA) on May 2010.