As a student at MHS, I learned so much biology from this wonderful, gentle man. He had a way of holding my attention with his teaching style and his class was one of my favorites in high school. In a conversation during my senior year, I asked Mr. Overley about biology career options (other than teaching) and he introduced me to biotechnology as a career. His enthusiasm for biology and our career conversation significantly influenced my decision to major in biology in college and was one of the first experiences of mentoring I felt on my career path. While I can recall some of his interests outside of teaching (e.g. raising birds, fish, gardening and wine making), I was really moved to read here so much more about Mr. Overley’s life. Thank you for sharing his life story in this way. My sincere condolences to the Overley family on the passing of a good man who made a memorable and positive impact on my life.
With Gratitude,
Tim
To Rhea and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It looks to me like, to the best of your ability, you invested every bit of love in Jim while he lived on this earth, till he was at last “all used up”; now his body is being “recycled,” taking part in those wonderful, re-creative life processes he used to teach, as a science teacher.
I have never seen such a tribute as you have put together on this website! No one else could deliver such a beautiful and moving “eulogy,” and I can only hope that gathering in his memory to create this portrait to share with the rest of us has brought you much comfort.
Few of us can have a positive and lasting impact on our community, the larger world, and our families all at once; that Jim did all three is a testimonial to the remarkable person he was. I feel grateful to have known him, and I feel a sense of loss that I did not know him better.
Rhea, I hope you can access my email through this statement, as I would love to talk with you.
Peace and love to you and your family,
Jim and Rhea have always been an upbeat and welcoming face at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford. I am so impressed and in awe of all that Jim did in his lifetime, and with Rhea along with him! I love the Santa shorts. Rhea, you would not get me to walk that tight-rope, but put me on a horse any day. Your granddaughter must share grandpa’s love of music — she seems very talented. I would have loved to have been in his classes, as he sounds like so much fun, active, interesting and well liked. What a great way to learn. I will miss his smile. Rhea, if you need anything, please let me know.
Didn’t know James, however Diane & I were classmate at RFHS…..Diane please accept my condolences in losing your brother….after reading his obituary in our local NewsTribune & reading about his life, I realize he will be sadly missed by all of his Family….God Bless🙏
Of course, Bill and I both remember science class – what Mendota kid doesn’t. But I think most of Mr. and Mrs Overley being together. They seemed so different- Mr.Overley (and I say this as a compliment) a little wacky, and Mrs. Overley so sophisticated and proper. And despite their apparent differences, they were so sweet together. When I picture him, he isn’t in the classroom. He’s walking down the sidewalk with Mrs. Overley, and they are holding hands. It still makes me smile.
I’ve known Jim Overly since 1969, when I was hired to teach Biology at Mendota High School. As a new graduate from Illinois State University, with my bachelors in Biology I was excited to start my teaching career. I met Jim that first day, and we became fast friends, both as colleagues and socially. Often Jim and Rhea would have Janice & I over for dinner at their home. Our girls were young then, Brenda & Liana would play for hours, we felt like family. I taught at Mendota High for three years, and our friendship lasted long after we moved to Florida. I learned a great deal from Jim over those three years. His teaching skills were sometimes unconventional and certainly ahead of their time. His classes were always fun and very entertaining. Jim and I shared many interests, but our love for raising tropical fish became a topic of many conversations. We have such fond memories of our time with Jim and Rhea, that we will always carry with us. I will miss my friend greatly and deeply cherish the time we spent together.
Liana and family, I feel very privileged to have known Jim. This website is a wonderful tribute, and I love all of the photos, information, and stories. Your family is so special, and the love and devotion you share for each other is so sweet! Liana, your level of detail and amusing writing style on this website are exceptional. Thank you for sharing this with me. I feel like I know your dad so much better now, and I only wish I had known all of this earlier! He inspires me to be a passionate teacher, thoughtful peace-maker, and generous friend. As you know, Jim showed kindness and generosity to our family years ago when we lived across the street from you on Dunton. Jim and Rhea were always so friendly. Jim built a special artist’s table and bench, beanbag frog game, and picket fence headboards, which we used and loved for many years. Thank you to your whole family for your love and friendship. All of you have been huge blessing in our lives through the years. I will always remember Jim. Love you all!
What a beautiful tribute this page is, Liana! The photo of your father walking the beach is exactly as I remember him: Striding along — “with vigor” — hands in pockets, eyes fixed upon what lies directly ahead yet deep in thought, surely, on what he can build or improve next. I hope the many messages you and Mrs. O and your family have and will receive can help you further understand what a profound difference your father made in our lives. His biology classes were my first significant taste of academic success as a high school freshman. For me, it was a validation that, hey maybe I can do this “school” thing, and I’d say that in all classrooms that came before or after, your dad was the most engaging and genuine teacher I encountered. He truly was there for “us kids,” and it showed. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if, somewhere in storage, I still have a notebook or two and a biology textbook. With cover slip firmly intact, of course. 🙂
Reading about Mr. O brought back so many memories from high school. Although I was not a very good student, he made learning biology fun and assured even the weakest students that they could succeed…and we did! I have fond memories of him and his teaching style that will be with me forever. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.
Such fond memories of Jim! I think back to him showing me his birds, our times together at Lake Ripley, and the many Thanksgivings we shared together. Later on, I have especially great memories of our talks about gardening, canning, pest control, and much more. Best Wishes and love to the whole Overly and Allison families!! Love, Rob
I wish I could have spent more time with this man. Rhea and Jim both were so gracious the 3 years I taught Biology with him. Many a meal with the two. Then to the basement to see the fish. They came to Florida once as I recall and took my oldest, Ty, to Disney, I think? So long ago but yet it went so fast. Trust me he touched me in many intellectual ways. He was so terribly bright. Rhea was so terribly kind. He will always be with me in my memories and thoughts. Loved the man.
In the late 1970’s my husband and I were newly married and purchased a cockatiel (which we named Hawk) and a parakeet (which we named Dove) from Mr. Overley. Those birds became such a big part of our lives. We had something fun to discuss. We loved those birds, even though they ate holes in the wicker shade of our lamp. Funny how getting the birds from him became one of our favorite memories. The neighborhood children would come over to visit the birds. We still talk about Hawk and Dove, although now we have Mimi Cat as part of our lives.
Love you brother Jim. Lots of wonderful childhood memories with you.
As a student at MHS, I learned so much biology from this wonderful, gentle man. He had a way of holding my attention with his teaching style and his class was one of my favorites in high school. In a conversation during my senior year, I asked Mr. Overley about biology career options (other than teaching) and he introduced me to biotechnology as a career. His enthusiasm for biology and our career conversation significantly influenced my decision to major in biology in college and was one of the first experiences of mentoring I felt on my career path. While I can recall some of his interests outside of teaching (e.g. raising birds, fish, gardening and wine making), I was really moved to read here so much more about Mr. Overley’s life. Thank you for sharing his life story in this way. My sincere condolences to the Overley family on the passing of a good man who made a memorable and positive impact on my life.
With Gratitude,
Tim
To Rhea and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It looks to me like, to the best of your ability, you invested every bit of love in Jim while he lived on this earth, till he was at last “all used up”; now his body is being “recycled,” taking part in those wonderful, re-creative life processes he used to teach, as a science teacher.
I have never seen such a tribute as you have put together on this website! No one else could deliver such a beautiful and moving “eulogy,” and I can only hope that gathering in his memory to create this portrait to share with the rest of us has brought you much comfort.
Few of us can have a positive and lasting impact on our community, the larger world, and our families all at once; that Jim did all three is a testimonial to the remarkable person he was. I feel grateful to have known him, and I feel a sense of loss that I did not know him better.
Rhea, I hope you can access my email through this statement, as I would love to talk with you.
Peace and love to you and your family,
Jim and Rhea have always been an upbeat and welcoming face at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford. I am so impressed and in awe of all that Jim did in his lifetime, and with Rhea along with him! I love the Santa shorts. Rhea, you would not get me to walk that tight-rope, but put me on a horse any day. Your granddaughter must share grandpa’s love of music — she seems very talented. I would have loved to have been in his classes, as he sounds like so much fun, active, interesting and well liked. What a great way to learn. I will miss his smile. Rhea, if you need anything, please let me know.
Didn’t know James, however Diane & I were classmate at RFHS…..Diane please accept my condolences in losing your brother….after reading his obituary in our local NewsTribune & reading about his life, I realize he will be sadly missed by all of his Family….God Bless🙏
Of course, Bill and I both remember science class – what Mendota kid doesn’t. But I think most of Mr. and Mrs Overley being together. They seemed so different- Mr.Overley (and I say this as a compliment) a little wacky, and Mrs. Overley so sophisticated and proper. And despite their apparent differences, they were so sweet together. When I picture him, he isn’t in the classroom. He’s walking down the sidewalk with Mrs. Overley, and they are holding hands. It still makes me smile.
I’ve known Jim Overly since 1969, when I was hired to teach Biology at Mendota High School. As a new graduate from Illinois State University, with my bachelors in Biology I was excited to start my teaching career. I met Jim that first day, and we became fast friends, both as colleagues and socially. Often Jim and Rhea would have Janice & I over for dinner at their home. Our girls were young then, Brenda & Liana would play for hours, we felt like family. I taught at Mendota High for three years, and our friendship lasted long after we moved to Florida. I learned a great deal from Jim over those three years. His teaching skills were sometimes unconventional and certainly ahead of their time. His classes were always fun and very entertaining. Jim and I shared many interests, but our love for raising tropical fish became a topic of many conversations. We have such fond memories of our time with Jim and Rhea, that we will always carry with us. I will miss my friend greatly and deeply cherish the time we spent together.
Liana and family, I feel very privileged to have known Jim. This website is a wonderful tribute, and I love all of the photos, information, and stories. Your family is so special, and the love and devotion you share for each other is so sweet! Liana, your level of detail and amusing writing style on this website are exceptional. Thank you for sharing this with me. I feel like I know your dad so much better now, and I only wish I had known all of this earlier! He inspires me to be a passionate teacher, thoughtful peace-maker, and generous friend. As you know, Jim showed kindness and generosity to our family years ago when we lived across the street from you on Dunton. Jim and Rhea were always so friendly. Jim built a special artist’s table and bench, beanbag frog game, and picket fence headboards, which we used and loved for many years. Thank you to your whole family for your love and friendship. All of you have been huge blessing in our lives through the years. I will always remember Jim. Love you all!
What a beautiful tribute this page is, Liana! The photo of your father walking the beach is exactly as I remember him: Striding along — “with vigor” — hands in pockets, eyes fixed upon what lies directly ahead yet deep in thought, surely, on what he can build or improve next. I hope the many messages you and Mrs. O and your family have and will receive can help you further understand what a profound difference your father made in our lives. His biology classes were my first significant taste of academic success as a high school freshman. For me, it was a validation that, hey maybe I can do this “school” thing, and I’d say that in all classrooms that came before or after, your dad was the most engaging and genuine teacher I encountered. He truly was there for “us kids,” and it showed. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if, somewhere in storage, I still have a notebook or two and a biology textbook. With cover slip firmly intact, of course. 🙂
Reading about Mr. O brought back so many memories from high school. Although I was not a very good student, he made learning biology fun and assured even the weakest students that they could succeed…and we did! I have fond memories of him and his teaching style that will be with me forever. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.
Such fond memories of Jim! I think back to him showing me his birds, our times together at Lake Ripley, and the many Thanksgivings we shared together. Later on, I have especially great memories of our talks about gardening, canning, pest control, and much more. Best Wishes and love to the whole Overly and Allison families!! Love, Rob
I wish I could have spent more time with this man. Rhea and Jim both were so gracious the 3 years I taught Biology with him. Many a meal with the two. Then to the basement to see the fish. They came to Florida once as I recall and took my oldest, Ty, to Disney, I think? So long ago but yet it went so fast. Trust me he touched me in many intellectual ways. He was so terribly bright. Rhea was so terribly kind. He will always be with me in my memories and thoughts. Loved the man.
In the late 1970’s my husband and I were newly married and purchased a cockatiel (which we named Hawk) and a parakeet (which we named Dove) from Mr. Overley. Those birds became such a big part of our lives. We had something fun to discuss. We loved those birds, even though they ate holes in the wicker shade of our lamp. Funny how getting the birds from him became one of our favorite memories. The neighborhood children would come over to visit the birds. We still talk about Hawk and Dove, although now we have Mimi Cat as part of our lives.
Love you brother Jim. Lots of wonderful childhood memories with you.