JOHN JAMAN

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

• Saddened as I was to have heard of Mr. Jaman’s passing a few years ago, I was delighted to stumble upon this opportunity to express my belated gratitude for the mentorship and fond memories of my three years in Mr. Jaman’s major work class at Brock-Corydon in the mid-60s. His kindness, warm smile and patient encouragement still inspires me as it clearly has my fellow students who have also offered their appreciation here. - Posted by: Jeff Vidler (Student) on: Dec 25, 2024

• Well--at least there’s an Internet! Otherwise, I’d have had to search microfiche in some library to discover what I’ve just found out, which is that Mr. Jaman passed away in July of 2013. And as I’ve read the comments of so many others, I’ve realized that I was only one of many who was terrifically fortunate to have had John Jaman as a teacher. I was one of those who were part of the three-year experiment, the “Major work” classroom, as it was then called, in Brock-Corydon School in River Heights in the mid-1960s, under then-Principal Charlotte Mass. As I understood it, students in Grade 4 who, in whatever ways, showed more obvious potential were moved into Mr. Jaman’s class, where we were required to cover the regular curriculum but could also do any number of creative, interesting, stimulating “extras” as a class, as well as initiate projects of our own if we wished. What was particularly remarkable was that as we graduated at the end of each school year, Mr. Jaman accompanied us to the next grade level, from grades 4 through 6 (something like what’s done in Waldorf schools). Inevitably, this fostered a kind of family or community (with its occasional frictions, conflicts, and minor civil wars). Mr. Jaman indulged me—and, I’m sure, others in the class. He knew I had little interest in the obligatory lessons in basic French, and that I was constantly imagining stories and wanting to write, so he let me do so while those lessons went on. This, er, made for some challenges when at the end of Grade 6 there were comprehensive French exams, but somehow I managed. I’ve never forgotten those days and years. “People in glass houses should never throw stones” was indeed a repeated saying, but so too was “Birds of a feather flock together”, and a number of others. I remember well his mischievous delight in entering the classroom at the start of the day, reaching for the light switch, and intoning: “And he said: Let there be light!” (switch flicked on); “And there WAS Light...And he saw that it was GOOD.” What a fall from Grace it was to finish Grade 6 with Mr. Jaman and move on to a much larger, more fragmented and impersonal junior high school as one of the new inmates. The classmates scattered to their various junior high schools, some of us never to meet again. Over many years I have remembered, and talked about with others, the “Major work” class and Mr. Jaman. But I don’t think I realized how unusual and fortunate was my experience. For me, it certainly came at the right time! Years later, after many changes, I re-encountered Mr. Jaman, as he was sent to assess a classroom in another school. He was ready to leave the room when I called out to him and re-inroduced myself (he’d have had no reason to expect me to be there, or to recognize me). I think it was embarassing to some other students in that room (and for me!) to hear his spontaneous words of praise for me. I saw him again one or two times when grocery shopping, and after that not at all. More years later, I worked as a colleague with one of the Stoykos mentioned in the obituary, never thinking that there was a connection to Mr. Jaman. He was evidently an outstanding teacher, and an exemplary human being. How fortunate to have encountered him. ---Harry Berbrayer, former grade school student in 1960s - Posted by: Harry Berbrayer (former grade school student, Brock-Corydon Elementary, mid-1960s) on: Oct 05, 2022

• Tonight while I was voting at Carpathia School, I noticed Mr. Jaman had been the Principal there for several years. I am so sincerely sorry that I did not take the opportunity to look him up prior to his passing. He was an inspirational teacher to a group of learners for 3 consecutive years in a unique program called "Major Work" at Brock Corydon School in the mid 1960's. From him I learned that my best efforts were valuable, and that my lack of understanding was never criticized. He had some clichés that he wove into teaching moments....."People in glass house should never throw stones" ….." Each time I heard that over the years I thought of him. I became a teacher later in life after my 3 sons were all in school, I returned to University for my B.Ed. and graduated when I was 41 years old. I thought of Mr. Jaman so often, as I tried to emulate his caring, inspirational and academic prowess. I am so sorry to hear that he has passed away. He touched the lives of thousands of students over the years and inspired us to become life long learners. With fond memories, Karen Wiebe Knight - Posted by: Karen (Wiebe) Knight (Student) on: Oct 24, 2018

• I have just come across the page outlining Mr. Jaman's passing. It's been so many year since I have seen Mr Jaman. I am 40 now, and Mr Jaman was my principal at Carpathia School in the 1980's. Due to my not so great behaviour during those years, I believe I spent more time with Mr. Jaman than most. Under those circumstances all I can remember is that Mr Jaman was a kind fare man trying to do his best. I still remember him to this day. Have always had a ton of respect for him. Rest in peace Mr. Jaman. - Posted by: Robert Burns (Student) on: Dec 15, 2015

• Yesterday, as I looked again at my grade 4 or 5 class photograph from the mid 60's, saw the smiling face of the man who was for three years my mentor, and realized, with trepidation, that maybe I ought to check the obituary archive. Sadly what I feared was true. "Mr. Jaman" or "Sir" as we called him, was my teacher from 1964 to 1967, and in all my educational career, from kindergarten through medical school and post graduate training, I never found anyone to surpass him as a natural-born teacher; a person who truly knew how to open up the developing mind and encourage a love for learning. Intellectually, I grew up far more than the three chronological years that had actually gone by. Besides being a great educator he was a friend, a man who could and would talk to a 12-year old as an equal. Later, I would visit him at his new schools once he had been elevated to principal; he always had time to talk. Probably the last time I saw him was when he came to my wedding almost 37 years ago. I am sorry it has taken me so long to find out about his passing. My sincere condolences to his family about he would so often tell about in class with such love. A man lives on in the memory of those who go on, and I shall always carry with me the memory of the man who so shaped my formative years. - Posted by: Simon Lucy (former student) on: Feb 12, 2014

• Mr. Jaman was a wonderful man; I have fond memories of him as the principal of Carpathia School... My most sincere condolences go out to his family. - Posted by: Shelley Cook (Student at Carpathia School) on: Jul 31, 2013

• Mr. Jaman was the classic old time gentleman. He always treated his staff members with kindness and respect. He said his job was to make life easier for the teachers and he did. He enjoyed dropping into my classroom and delivering a short lesson. At school assemblies he would always declare that the weather would be perfect no matter the season. He enjoyed meeting the parents and truly loved the students. Long lasting friendships have remained among the teachers who taught under his leadership. He loved Marge and his family dearly. My sympathies to his family and many friends. - Posted by: Gerry Daly (former teacher at Carpathia School ) on: Jul 20, 2013

• Dear Kirby, Elysa, Sandra and families. I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father (and grandfather). Your parents were part of my childhood and they were always so welcoming and generous. I still remember the 'performances' that we would put on for our parents and even though we were interrupting their visiting time, they always made us feel like we had done something special for them. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Brenda McDermid (Stoyko) (Family friend) on: Jul 20, 2013

• To John's Family, Upon returning from holidays today, I was so saddened to learn of John's passing. I was very blessed to have worked with your dad. He was a scholar and a gentleman. He cared deeply about the students and staff. He made a difference in the lives of everyone he touched. I have told many, that his way of being a principal is how all principals should be. He walked substitutes to the classroom ensuring they had the necessary material/supplies to do the job. He checked with them throughout the day to see that things were going well. He stood on the corner every day ensuring the students got to school safely. He treated his teachers and staff like professionals. He believed that family came first and that teaching was your career - not your life! He had a wonderful sense of humor and together we created his notepad "The Word According To John!" Under John's leadership, Carpathia was a great school, that has created life long friendships! As one of my subsequent administrators has said, "You have placed him on a pedestal and no one can meet his standards." This past November I had a wonderful visit with John outside a shopping mall and shared that information. In true John Jaman form, his response was, "I didn't do anything special. I treated you how I wanted my family members treated." - Posted by: Wendy Morris (Purcell) (Carpathia Staff ) on: Jul 20, 2013

• We were sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Our prayers & thoughts are with you all. May he rest in Peace. - Posted by: John & Carole Chobotar (Cousin of John's) on: Jul 19, 2013

• Dear Kirby, Elysa, Sandra and Families. We were profoundly saddened to learn of your father's death. Your parents have been dear friends of ours for over 50 years. We will miss them both very much, but we will cherish the happy memories of good times together and the many Ramoli games we enjoyed with your parents and the Stoykos over the half century. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Wally and Joan Tostowaryk (Ottawa, ON.) (old friends) on: Jul 19, 2013

• Everyone loved Mr. Jaman. He always greeted the children in the morning with a smile and friendly greeting. He knew all the children in the school well. he was a kind and gentle man. Trevor, Tyler & Keith will be sorry to hear of his passing. Carpathia School was a big part of our lives from 1982- 1996 and he was there most of those years. may you rest in peace! Chris, Linda, Trevor, Tyler & Keith - Posted by: Linda Engel (parent of 3 sons who attended carpathia School) on: Jul 18, 2013

• You were the best principal any bunch of kids could ask for we will miss you - Posted by: Laurie (Student (carpathia)) on: Jul 18, 2013

• Dear Kirby, Elysa, Sandra & families, I was so saddened to hear of your Dad's death -he was such a wonderful man, and very dear to me. When I first decided to become a teacher's assistant, your Father hired me at Carpathia School. I had to work 8 weeks as a volunteer, before EI would pay me any wages (this is back in the late '70/early 80's.) Besides being the very best mentor in the education field, your dad often left me lunches (which were so fantastic) and throughout my time spent there, there was often bus tickets and a weekly (at least) $20.00 dollar bill left in my coat pocket - all which he would seem very "vague" about, if I asked. Your Father had a heart of gold. I've now been teaching a few years up here in Timmins, and I have often tried to "pay forward" the many kindnesses your Dad bestowed on me. I hope I have done him proud. Take good care of yourselves at this time! With love & sympathy, Mary Belanger - Posted by: Mary Belanger (friend/co-worker/friend of children) on: Jul 16, 2013

• Mr. Jaman was a tremendous role model and a first class teacher, that all of the young students in his classroom at Brock Corydon School, were lucky enough to have teach us for three years, Grades 4-6. Sincerest sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Andy Frost (former Student in the 60's) on: Jul 16, 2013

• The world has lost a uniquely gifted teacher. He was mine from grades 4-6 in the 1960s, and showed me a model of a man with strength, kindness, and humour. He was fond of telling us that he was "kind, generous and benevolent"- and it was all true. - Posted by: David Sheps (former student) on: Jul 16, 2013

• John was such a lovely man and so wonderful to work for. He took good care of all of us at Carpathia School. I will never forget his smile and sense of humour. - Posted by: Allison Batt (Carpathia School Staff member) on: Jul 16, 2013

• I was so sorry to hear of Mr Jaman's passing. He was my teacher at Isbister School from 1962-64. I remember those years, and Mr Jaman particularly, with great fondness. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Frances Harris (nee Lockett) (Former student) on: Jul 16, 2013

• I remember when Mr. Jaman used to come to B.E. Glavin school for concerts and events his grandchildren were in. He loved his family so very much. Wishing you peace and time for remembering all the special times you shared. My thoughts go out to you all. - Posted by: Cheryl Wall (Friend from when our children were in elementary school) on: Jul 16, 2013

• I will miss him a lot, he was a good friend, someone to look up to, sincere, gave good council, God bless his soul. I wish his family peace in their hearts and mind. Emad Bisharat - Posted by: Emad Bisharat (Friend ) on: Jul 15, 2013