James "Oom Pa Pa" Gatlin Obituary

James "Oom Pa Pa" Gatlin was faculty at Chamberlain High School in Tampa, FL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about James "oom Pa Pa" Gatlin.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Aug 14, 2007
About	Jim Gatlin, the Middleton High graduate who went on to serve as a teacher, mentor, coach and principal to Hillsborough County students during a 45-year career, passed away early Tuesday, August 14, 2007. "Jim was truly committed to children, and I think everyone had a sense of that, '' said Board member Doretha Edgecomb, who knew Mr. Gatlin since high school at Middleton. "He could be tough and serious if necessary, but he could also be silly and show his sense of humor, and I know the kids respected that. He maintained his dignity at all times." "This is a great loss to the school district, the community and the children of Hillsborough County, '' said Superintendent MaryEllen Elia. "Jim was a graduate of Middleton High School. He was a teacher and an administrator who was dedicated to the community and to the students." On a personal note, I keep thinking of the grainy photograph on the wall of the Middleton High cafeteria with the caption below that said - if this guy can graduate, so can you. It was a picture of Jim Gatlin as a high school student, lanky as could be. He put it up on the wall to inspire the students, and to me it captures his dedication, his modesty, his sense of humor. As Doretha Edgecomb said, recalling him in high school, "There was always a sense of promise about him."

Classmate Memories

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Haydee Griilo Rogstad '81 said:

Loved Mr Gatlin! He always had a smile and something to talk about. Always on our level. So saddened to hear he passed.

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Enis Monica Beaupierre '88 said:

He was an amazing principal. I remember one year he told the seniors they had to eat chicken feet and rice if they wanted to graduate.

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