I am a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Lamar University in Beaumont.  Dr. Gleason was one of the founding members of our chapter in 1958.  Although I have never met him, we spoke several times on the phone.  He often said he traveled a lot between Victoria and Houston.  We talked about getting together for a lunch some time.   His emails began kicking back to me from the Pike Chapter letters that I send out.  I finally did a search today and was saddened to find his obituary.  He has several college mates on my contact list that will, also, be saddened to read of his passing.  Upon reading the notes posted here, I am doubly sad that i never really got to meet this obviously fine gentleman.  

I've known Dr. Gleason since 1972 when I became his secretary at Victoria College.  Our lives crossed many times through these years.  Stopping by to visit at Victoria College.   Seeing Dr. Gleason and Kitty eating out many times with the grandkids. Visiting at swim lessons at Northside swimming pool with grandkids....his and mine.  I know he will be truly missed.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Frances Hartman Mozisek

There are many people out there that have no idea that Dr Gleason was that jovial Santa whose lap they sat on at Christmas parties at Our Lady of Victory School for many years. So many years I would give him a call to make that special visit to our students. He was always so jolly and happy to do it.  Sometimes he wouldn’t need too much extra stuffing!  We will miss him. 

I have so many memories of wonderful discussions in Dr. Gleason's class during my college career in the 1980's. He was an educator that inspired his students to action in their words and in their deeds. I became a history/government teacher because of his encouragement and belief in me. His moving words mesmerized classes for many years. He was the teacher I aspired to be! Now as an administrator I think of his words often as I navigate the political climate of a school district. 

May many blessings be bestowed upon the family and friends that he so impacted on a daily basis. Rest in Peace!

RJ Alvarado
Director of Special Education and Student Services
West Oso ISD
Corpus Christi, TX 

I was a government student in Professor Gleason's class back in the 80s.  He was a very passionate teacher and I enjoyed his class a great deal.  As a young person this was the first time I was exposed to current political events.  He made the entire class about current events, government processes and both sides of a viewpoint.   Even though it was a long time ago, I remember sitting in class and thoroughly enjoying the discussion -- he made it interesting and engaging -- what all great teachers do.  God Bless,  James Gleason.


Sending my prayers and sincere condolences to the Gleason Family.  

Warmly,
Laura Flanagan - Victoria, Texas
(Leanne Clayton Seewald's mother)

I was fortunate to have Dr. Gleason for political science in the summer of 1972.  He was an outstanding professor who had great enthusiasm for what he was teaching.  I only regret that I never told him how much he influenced my life.  He always came to class with that bright smile on his face.  We know that he will be missed by many people.  May God bless the entire Gleason family
during your time of loss.

I was fortunate to have Dr. Gleason for the second semester of Political Science in Summer 1975. Even though nearly 44 years have passed since that summer, I still remember his passion for the subject and his interest in the students understanding of the material. He was a Democrat through and through but he didn't push that agenda. This was in the days before PowerPoint was even conceived; yet, the class was just as rich. He was a true professor.

Dr. Gleason's example has been a large part of the model that I try to use in my own career as a professor. My only regret is that I never took time to call him and tell him just how much he inspired me. He was a great man in his role as a husband, father, and professor. May he find eternal rest in God's presence and may his children find comfort in the legacy of love that he left for them. Grace, Peace, and Blessings.

Edward R. Walker, PhD, CPA
The University of Central Oklahoma


It's been my absolute honor to have Dr. Gleason as Lauren's and Jacob's "No. 1 fan" for the past four years.
As their music and choir director, I could see this fine grandfather's love shining in his eyes, his sweet smile, and his ever-ready camera, catching the students and the choir in wonderful and joyous ways. I had many opportunities to do so, since he never missed a single concert or event.   He will be very, very missed by me, in my own little way.  I know your loss is infinitely greater, and for that I can only commend you to God's loving heart and hands.  Thank you, God, for this  man who incarnated the word
"grand."

Nazareth Academy

Victoria First United Methodist Church

OBITUARY

James Daniel Gleason

March 18, 1940 – January 15, 2019

Colonial Funeral Home

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