DR. JIMMY HASKINS, FIRST BRENHAM STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT, DIES
(courtesy photo)
The first superintendent of the Brenham State School has died.
Dr. Jimmy Read Haskins died on May 15th at the age of 86.
Dr. Haskins served as superintendent of the state school from 1972 to 1993, with the facility receiving national recognition during those years. It was the first state school in Texas to attain accreditation from a national group recognizing excellent service to people with intellectual disabilities.
During his time at the state school, now known as the Brenham State Supported Living Center, the facility raised funds and completed the Lillian Wilder Chapel, Patrick Heard Park, Mary and Jimmy Haskins Cinema, an indoor swimming pool, a log cabin at Woodlands Retreat and a lighted baseball field.
Dr. Haskins also served on the Board of Volunteer Service at the Brenham State School and was a member emeritus of the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In addition, he was a director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, a trustee for United Way and was honored by a Senate proclamation in recognition of 37 years of service to the state of Texas.
Prior to coming to Brenham, Dr. Haskins worked from 1962 to 1972 as the director of special projects at Mexia State School, where he was instrumental in working with the Kennedy Foundation to provide the first Special Olympics in Texas.
A memorial service will be held on June 4th at 2 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. on June 3rd, with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m.