Edward James (Jim) Topp, retired professor of educational administration and supervision at NAU, died Dec. 1, 2008.
He was 77.
Born January 4, 1931, in Chicago, to James and Anna Topp, Dr. Topp was a longtime educator.
Dr. Topp received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NAU when it was Arizona State College at Flagstaff. He was on the basketball team as a student in the early 1950s.
Dr. Topp began his career as a teacher and coach at Prescott High School in 1956, after serving in the Marine Corps from 1953-1955. He was a counselor, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.
In 1971, Dr. Topp received his doctorate from Arizona State University and in 1974, he moved to Flagstaff to accept a position at NAU. He served as chairman of the physical education department and as a professor of educational administration and supervision until he retired in 1989, at which time he returned home to Prescott.
Dr. Topp enjoyed all sports, especially horse races. He also enjoyed reading and working in his yard. He remained very active with the NAU Foundation.
Dr. Topp is survived by his wife of 54 years, Evelyn; sister Pat Topp of Dallas; daughters Linda Hughes of Casa Grande, Ariz.; Susan (Michael) Schafer of Irvine, Calif.; son Gregory (Jenny) Topp of Zionsville, Ind.; five grandchildren, one great-grandson; three nieces and one nephew.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W. Gurley St., Prescott. The Hampton Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Topp’s family requests that donations in his memory be sent to the Prescott High School Athletic Department, 1050 N. Ruth Street, Prescott, AZ 86301. Please include a note that the donation is to be used to benefit “Pay to Play.” These donations are earmarked for students unable to play sports because of the expense.