THE LEGACY OF JAMES AND MARGIE MARION

THE LEGACY OF JAMES AND MARGIE MARION

WRITTEN BY DAVID HICKS, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Allen ISD’s history is filled with caring individuals who poured their heart and soul into this community and its schools. The list of community members who left their mark is long, but few names shine as brightly as James and Margie Marion. The Marions left an indelible mark not just on the district, but on the lives of countless students, teachers, and families who had the privilege of knowing them.

James Marion’s journey through education was marked by grit and a profound commitment to learning. Hailing from Frisco High School, James pursued his Bachelor of Education degree at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he also made a name for himself on the football field. Reflecting on his father’s athletic

prowess, Gary Marion fondly recalls, “My dad was proud to be on the offensive line at SMU and block for the Heisman Trophywinning Doak Walker.”

James would go on to proudly serve in the United States Army and eventually earn a Master’s Degree in Administration from Louisiana State University.

James took a job in Allen ISD as a middle school science teacher and spent several years in the classroom before becoming the first principal of D.L. Rountree Elementary School. James had high expectations for his students and staff members, and he was always recruiting highly effective teachers to join his school.

Gary reminisces about his father’s commitment to education, stating, “James was always on the lookout for teachers who were enthusiastic and passionate about teaching children. He wanted teachers that wanted to make an impact, and teachers of that nature wanted to work with him because he valued those skills.”

Margie Marion, neé Boyd, grew up in Allen, just a few short miles away from where James was raised, although the couple didn’t know each other as children. Margie was the daughter of Alton “Papa” Boyd, the longtime Allen ISD School Board Trustee and namesake of Alton Boyd Elementary. Margie was a woman of quiet strength and profound wisdom, and she complemented James’s passion for education with her

own dedication to shaping young minds. Reflecting on his mother’s influence, Gary shares, “My mother was warm, yet stoic. She raised three boys, yet she never complained about a thing.”

Margie served Allen ISD as an English teacher and then as a librarian, and her impact reached both students and colleagues. She was a mentor to countless teachers which earned the admiration of her peers. “Margie served as a mentor for so many teachers in Allen ISD,” recalls Kim Jackson Marion, Gary’s wife. “She was so intelligent, everyone came to her for advice.”

Margie’s dedication to nurturing young minds earned her widespread respect

and admiration. “Margie was always so supportive of new teachers, even if she did it in a quiet way,” says Kim. “She did that throughout her career. I miss her wise counsel.”

As a couple, James and Margie embodied the values of integrity, mentorship, and unwavering support for their family and community. Gary reflects on their shared commitment to education, noting, “Both my parents, and Papa Boyd, valued education and that was always known in our family.”

When it came time to name a new elementary school in Allen, the Board of Trustees had an easy choice in choosing the Marion family. The school was officially

dedicated in 2003, and James and Margie were proud of the honor, if not slightly embarrassed by all the attention. For the Marions, the blood, sweat and tears they put into Allen was about making the town and schools a better place, and never about the recognition. The community, however, felt it necessary to honor the Marion couple with a school named in their honor.

“There’s something special about the way Allen designates namesakes while they are still alive, so they can still engage and interact with the schools,” Gary said. “It creates a connection to the history of our district and allows students an insight into what is important in our community. It’s about remembering the legacies that brought us to where we are today.”