If you travel on Timberlake Road in Lynchburg, you've probably noticed the fundraising thermometer beside Brookville High School www.bhsbees.com. Brookville hopes to break ground late this year on the Jim Whorley Field House. The field house will be built in memory of Brookville's former principal, Jim Whorley.
But Jim wasn't just a principal at Brookville. His career at Brookville spanned over 20 years and included teaching math and coaching football. Jim also served in the Marine Corps and was an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Forest.
Jim was a longtime educator who loved life and his family. He was a loving son and brother, beloved husband to his wife Peggy, a great dad to his son Vince and stepson Sid, and a wonderful Grandpa to his grandchildren. He was a friend to all and enjoyed outdoor activities, especially gardening, fishing, and hunting.
Jim was a champion for all children and a positive role model to the students he taught, coached, and mentored over the years. He was always available at any time to his Brookville students.
Jim was highly visible at Brookville games and events, circulating through the crowd. He also supported Peggy, a longtime teacher at Heritage Elementary, at her school's events.
Sadly, Jim Whorley's life ended all too soon. He was only 60 years old when he died on December 27, 2008. Jim was on a fishing and duck hunting expedition with his longtime friend and fishing partner Terry Reid when their boat hit a submerged tree and capsized on Buggs Island Lake.
Because Jim touched so many lives at Brookville, his visitation was held at the school. More than 2000 people turned out to show their respect and love for Jim and to show just how much he meant to them.
The Jim Whorley Field House Capital Campaign is currently over halfway to their goal of raising $500,000 to build and equip the field house which will serve the football, soccer, tennis, and track and field teams. A fundraiser held in early August raised over $4000.
T-shirts are on sale in the office at Brookville High School for $15 or you can order on the website. Donations for the Jim Whorley Field House can be made at the BHS website www.bhsbees.com. You can visit the BHS website or the Jim Whorley Field House Facebook group page for more information. For a $100 donation, you can buy a brick on the walkway with your family's name or message. For a $250 donation, you can buy a building brick with your family's name or message. You can contact John Vasvary at vasvary@verizon.net for more details.
Jim Whorley was a good friend, a good teacher, coach, and mentor, and a good member of the community. The field house was a dream of his. Please help support the Brookville family in their mission to build the Jim Whorley Field House.
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