STATEMENT CONCERNING THE SUDDEN PASSING OF ETAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MR. JAMES BREWER
"The trust and gravitas Mr. James Brewer held in this community are almost unfathomable. He had earned respect, confidence, and admiration through many years of fair treatment, consistent judgment, and even temperament toward students, parents, administrators, coaches, as well as band directors, secretaries, food service personnel, and others. He possessed a God-given talent for understanding exactly what a person, whether student or teacher, needed to get back on track. Those who listened and heeded his advice benefited and thrived from his wisdom."
"Mr. James Brewer was blessed with a depth of common sense that eludes most of us. He knew when to give a pat on the back at the right time, when to provide a swift kick in the pants to prevent slowing down, and when to speak the unvarnished truth when a path became crooked. Additionally, he had a firm yet fair hand with discipline when it was necessary. These everyday victories were where he truly excelled."
"For East Texas Advanced Academies, we are heartbroken and bereft. For the Longview Independent School District, an icon has been lost—a figure as close to irreplaceable as most can comprehend. The children of Longview will be lesser for not having known this towering figure of integrity, fairness, judgment, and wisdom."
"Heaven has gained another angel: Mr. James Brewer."
On behalf of the ETAA Board,
Rev. LaDarian Brown