Jack Farr

Dr. Theodore Jackson "Jack" Farr (May 5, 1944–November 8, 2004) served as an educator in the Birmingham area for 37 years, including his term as Hoover's third superintendent.

Early life and education

Jack Farr was the youngest child of John and Mary Farr. After graduting from Shelby County High School in 1962, he worked for a year before starting at the University of Montevallo. He met the former Janice Smith there, whom he married on May 31, 1969. After receiving his Bachelors of Science, Farr continued at Montevallo, earning his Masters in Education in 1971. By then he was already coaching and teaching math at Vincent High School in Shelby County.

Homewood school system

In 1972, Farr and his wife had their only child, daughter Jani Leigh. Shortly after, Farr became assistant principal at Homewood High School. He went on to become principal of Edgewood Elementary School for one year before becoming principal of Homewood High. He served in that position until 1992.

Hoover school system

Farr next became director of planning and community services for Hoover City Schools, which had started only four years earlier. He was recruited by Hoover Superintendent Robert F. Bumpus, who had moved from his position as the Homewood superintendent the year before. Later in that year, Farr earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Alabama. He eventually moved up to Assistant Superintendent. In 1996, Farr succeeded the retiring Bumpus as superintendent. During Farr's tenure, the Hoover school system opened five new schools.

Final years

On November 11, 2002, after suffering from headaches, Dr. Farr was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The very next week he underwent surgery that removed a portion of the tumor. Radiation threatment and chemotherapy was done for the cancerous tumor in the months that followed. Despite intial success from his treatments, Farr's health became an issue again later. Farr began medical leave April 7, 2004 until his retirement became effect on June 1. He retired to spend more time with his family. A few months later, on November 8, Farr died at home with friends and family. He was buried on November 11 in Columbiana.

Between his diagnosis and retirement, Farr was given several honors. In November 2003, he was presented with Dr. John M. Davis Distinguished Educational Achievement Award for outstanding service and achievement in the state of Alabama by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Just prior to his retirement, in May 2004, as Farr was recovering from a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, several current and former area superintendents and Hoover schools staff presented him with a plaque for his 37 years in education. Later that month, the Hoover Board of Education named its central office building after him: the Farr Administration Building. Also, a college scholarship administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Jack Farr Scholarship Fund, was established shortly before his death.

In addition to his positions as principal and superintendent, Farr served on the Board of Trustees for the University of Montevallo, the Board of Directors for the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), and the Board of Directors for the Alabama Association of School Administrators (AASA). On Arbor Day 2005, a Nuttall oak seedling was planted in Aldridge Gardens in his honor.

Preceded by: '	Homewood High Principal 19?? - 1992	Succeeded by: Mike Hathorne
Preceded by: Robert F. Bumpus	Hoover Superintendent 1996 - 2004	Succeeded by: Connie Williams

References

• "Dr. Theodore Jackson Farr (Jack)" obituary. The Birmingham News 10 Nov. 2004.
• "Hoover Board Honors Farr with Name on Office". The Birmingham News 25 May 2004.
• "Retiring Superintendent Farr Going Home; Veteran Hoover Schools Chief Honored At Hospital". The Birmingham News 8 May 2004.
• "Arbor Day planting will honor Farr". The Birmingham News 2 Feb. 2005.