Like the ripples spreading from a pebble thrown into a pond, James McCrumb's work as an educator reverberated long after the longtime Mt. Hebron High School principal retired in 1987.

"People that went to the school after he retired, were still influenced by him ... because ... he influenced so many members of the community," Scott Ruehl, Mt. Hebron's new principal and a graduate of the class of 1987 said, adding that some graduates have even moved back to the district so that their children can attend the school.

James Riley "JR" McCrumb Sr., formerly of Ellicott City, died June 21, 2008, of respiratory failure, at his New Market residence. He was 74.

"To be named principal within a week of him passing away, there's a feeling of honor I have ... you hope you can do a good job and be looked upon as well as he was," Ruehl said.

Mr. McCrumb was born March 21, 1934, in Baltimore, to Fred Rodgers Sr. and Phebe Riley McCrumb; grew up in Catonsville; and graduated from Mount St. Joseph High School in 1953.

From the late 1950s until 1963, he served in the 115th Infantry of the Maryland National Guard.

Mr. McCrumb earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from the University of Maryland in 1958 and a master's degree in education from Western Maryland College in 1968.

He married Joan Clayton in 1977.

Mr. McCrumb began teaching in 1958, instructing earth science at Ellicott City Junior High School where he worked for four years. He then taught biology and chemistry at Howard High School for a year, then returned to Ellicott City Junior High as an administrator in 1963, and served as its vice principal for two years.

From 1965 to 1967, he served as vice principal of Glenelg High School. In 1967, he transferred to Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City to become principal, a job he held for 20 years.

"What good fortune for me to work under Jim at the beginning of my career," said Dave Greenberg, a now-retired math teacher and guidance counselor, who worked at Mt. Hebron and Centennial.

"Jim (did) what he thought was in his students' best interests. Jim's warmth and flexibility far exceeded anyone else's. He helped create a spirit and atmosphere where students and staff loved being part of the Mt. Hebron community," Greenberg added.

"Everyone in the school liked him ... he treated people fairly," Larry Luthe, a former football coach at Hammond and Mt. Hebron high schools and a 1983 Mt. Hebron grad said.

Ed Holshue, a former coach at Mt. Hebron and Centennial high schools said, "Jim was supportive of all things associated with the school, but he particularly loved athletics and was very close to the coaches and the kids."

Mr. McCrumb also helped to establish the James R. McCrumb Scholarship at Mt. Hebron. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior to be used toward his or her college education.

"The scholarship started off for a kid that we weren't sure was to going make it through, (who then) did well," Frank Aiello, a math teacher at Mt. Hebron, said.

Mr. McCrumb retired in 1987.

Family members recall that he was an avid outdoorsman who loved animals, especially his dog, Rwanda. He also enjoyed backpacking and spending time at his cabin in Wolcott, Vt.

Mr. McCrumb was a member of the Frederick County Forestry Board, the Appalachian Trail Club, the Green Mountain Club of Vermont and the Ruffed Grouse Society.

He was predeceased by a brother, Fred Rodgers McCrumb Jr.; and a sister, Mariet McCrumb DeVier.

In addition to his wife, Mr. McCrumb is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Mariet and Phil Hamlet, of Grifton, N.C., and Jeannine McCrumb, of South Burlington, Vt.; a son and a daughter-in-law, James R. Jr. and Betty McCrumb, of Knoxville, Md.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the James R. McCrumb Scholarship, c/o Mt. Hebron High School, 9440 State Route 99, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or to: The American Cancer Society, 1393 Progress Way, Eldersburg, MD 21784 or to: the Green Mountain Club Inc. of Vermont, 4711 Waterbury Stower Road, Waterbury, VT 05676.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Joan McCrumb, 6601 Green Valley Road, New Market, MD 21774.

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