James Niendorff

HURST -- James Ray Niendorff of Hurst entered into rest Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011.        Celebration of life: 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Road, Hurst.        Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association.        James was born Nov. 11, 1926, in Dallas to Carl and Reba Niendorff. He grew up in Dallas, except for several years spent in Panama where his father worked for a time. He attended Mesquite High School and graduated from North Texas State University in 1950 with an industrial arts degree, then continued to earn his master's in school administration in 1953. James married Anita Williams in 1949. She preceded him in death in 2000.        James had a long career in education. He began his career at Birdville ISD in 1952, teaching sixth grade at the old red brick school building. He went on to become the first full-time junior high school shop teacher in the district. In 1956 James moved to Richland Junior High as a shop teacher, and became vice principal in 1961. In 1969 he became principal of Watauga Junior High. In 1975 he moved to Smithfield Junior High, where he served as principal until he retired in 1981.        James and Anita enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. in their travel trailer and also traveled to Great Britain, but they loved traveling to Hawaii most of all, making many trips there during their retirement.        Jim was preceded in death by his three brothers, Carl, Frank and Robert.        Survivors: Nieces and nephews, Paul Niendorff, Mark Niendorff, Dan Niendorff, Steve Williams, David Williams, Sarah Davis, Carl Niendorff III, Susan McClary, William Niendorff, SueAnne Niendorff and Gretchen Niendorff. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Niendorff please visit our Sympathy Store.