Jim died May 25, 2024, age 96 at Presbyterian Village North, a project in which he designed as well as resided for many years. His beloved wife, Sally preceded him in 2021.
Much of the credit for the Oglesby Group’s award-winning track record goes to Jim, an unsung senior partner, who played a leading role for 40 years in developing the Group’s extraordinary design reputation.
A native of West Texas, Jim received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Texas Tech University in 1950. He worked in Dallas briefly, then spent time in Cambridge, Mass., in the office of renowned architect Carl Koch, before returning to Dallas in 1956 to join with Dallas architect Enslie “Bud” Oglesby and continued with the firm until his retirement in 1996.
He was principal-in-charge and lead designer for such award-winning projects as the UT- Health Science Center Administration Building, the UT- Dallas McDermott Library, the American Heart Association National Center, the Society of Petroleum Engineers World Headquarters, Presbyterian Village North, NorthPark Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church Dallas renovation / additions, Majestic Theatre renovation, Kelley residence, and a myriad of town-homes in the Oak Lawn / Dallas area (Armstrong, Travis, Welborn, Hood Street among others).
Jim served as AIA Dallas President in 1980 and authored numerous publications, including The Prairie’s Yield and An Architect’s View of Dallas. At UT- Arlington School of Architecture he taught, juried and served on the dean’s Professional Advisory Council. He also was an ardent advocate and community leader in both historic preservation and environmental conservation. As his artistry was evident in his architectural creations, it also was celebrated as a master bookbinder, creating elegantly crafted works to behold and be held.
Not only was Jim a unique talent, but he was kind, modest, a mentor and friend to so many.