Surrounded by grandchildren and children, Betty Jane “Toodles” Bullock rests upon a memorial bench which was donated in the memory of husband Jim Bullock by the class of 1956 at Hughesville High School last month. The tribute took place behind Warrior Run High School, overlooking a dig site at Fort Freeland. Back row, l-r: Eva Bullock Libby, Edward Bullock, Krista and Ryan McLaughlin, and David Bullock. Krista is the daughter of Jamie Bullock, who was overseas at the time of the event.

TURBOTVILLE – In memory of Jim Bullock, Hughesville High School class of 1956 and his family placed a bench near the Fort Freeland site at Turbotville. Also donated was a maple tree, both honoring the former teacher at Warrior-Run from 1966-1982.

Jim was born on July 6, 1938 in Danville, KY and at age 15 the family moved to Hughesville. He wrestled the 113 pound weight with 9 wins, 4 losses scoring 43 points. A quote from his yearbook, ‘The Monarch,’ records; “He’s small but what a powerhouse when he grapples on the mats. The airways are his fondest dreams, as at the “Y” he tips his hat (referencing the residence of wife-to-be Betty Jane Rothfuss).

Under the direction of Mr. James Ritter, Jim was a snare-drummer in the percussion section of the high school band. In Jim’s senior year, and along with classmate Connie Price (Eddy), they were voted the class’s “Most Witty” boy and girl.

Speaking at the event during Heritage Days on Oct. 6 were Vicki Egli, Sam Cooper and Jim’s wife, Betty Jane, also known as “Toodles.” Wording from remarks included, “Those of us who are interested in preserving the history and heritage of this area are in Jim’s debt. Jim headed up the early steering committee for what became the Warrior-Run Fort Freeland Heritage Society. This committee prevented the possibility of demolition of the Hower-Slote House, and coordinated archaeological digs during the summers of 1978 and 1979.”

During his tenure at Warrior Run, Jim was instrumental in obtaining a grant to construct an outdoor classroom laboratory for environmental education. On its southern view, the bench overlooks the meadow where some died in the battle of Fort Freeland and to the west are the ponds that became the outdoor science lab. After the program was established, it resulted in Jim being named the county’s “Environmental Teacher of the Year.”

Following his time at Warrior Run, Jim went to Africa and the South Pacific, becoming involved in missionary work. In 1996 and until his health began to fail, Jim pastored at Palm Coast Community Church in Florida.

At age 80, James Terry Bullock, Sr. died March 30, 2019 at his home in the Villages, Florida, surrounded by his wife of 61 years and family.