James Wylie French - Cremation Society of Virginia

James Wylie French

November 5, 1933 - August 16, 2020

Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do! He was a Survivor.

To know him is to love him and to be graced with his inspiration, knowledge, and humor is a gift that will live forever.

James Wylie French passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2020, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Wylie was born on November 5th, 1933 to George E. and Margaret French in Norfolk, VA. He is preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Henry Douglass French. He graduated from Norview High School and The College of William and Mary. He received his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. Wylie touched the lives of many educators and students during his long tenure with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools including time as principal at Frank W. Cox and Kempsville High Schools and opening both Green Run High School and Salem High School before serving in the central office. He spent considerable time and energy advocating for sports and mentoring student athletes and was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame recognizing his outstanding work. Wylie was involved with the Norfolk Sports Club serving on the board, including a term as President. He was a mentor and friend to many and his passion for educating our youth was felt through the halls of each school he entered. Wylie was a lover of sports, a three season athlete himself, and had a special affinity to skiing, golf, jogging and anything that the Virginia Cavaliers were playing. He was regularly found on the sidelines supporting local student athletes.

He leaves behind to celebrate his life his loving wife, Debbie French and children, daughter Joy Marie Polefrone, son Joey Polefrone, daughter Amy Green and husband Ben, sister-in-law Sharron French and sister Gail French. His greatest pride and joy were the children he was able to positively impact, especially his grandchildren, Camryn and Caleb Green. Wylie truly loved his grandpuppies who brought him great joy, Dutch (the General), Finley, and Lulu (Jingles).

Many special thanks for the love and support provided to Wylie and his family by his care giver, Marian and Sentara Hospice Nurse, Shannon.

Please consider celebrating Wylie’s life by contributing to the Virginia Athletics Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

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Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do! He was a Survivor. To know him is to love him and to be graced with his inspiration, knowledge, and humor is a gift that will live forever. James Wylie French passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2020, surrounded by his family after a long battle with…

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Mr. Wylie French did nothing to assist me/us, when it was reported that Mr. Lawrence Parks, his Industrial Arts Teacher at Green Run High School, was sexually abusing myself and other female students on his school campus during the early 1980’s. Although Mr. Lawrence Parks was later prosecuted and imprisoned, where he died in prison, Mr. Wylie French will never Rest In Peace because of his covert actions in dismissing such known behaviors.

Sad to see this. I graduated from Cox in 1968. Mr. French always had a smile on his face and calm demeanor. Not an easy thing to do being principal to teenagers. What a wonderful man , prayers sent to his family and loved ones.

I always enjoyed running into Mr. French when he volunteered at Landstown High School. I knew that I would be met with a warm smile. Mr. French's smile reflected his kindness and his good natured spirit. His contributions to VBCPS were admirable, and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to Debbie and the French family.

I was a teacher at Green Run High School and Salem High School with Mr. French as my principal. My years of working with you were integral to my growth in public education. Thank you for your energy. RIP, Mr. French.

Wylie was the principal of Virginia Beach Middle right before he retired. He was an advocate for both me and the students. He loved spending time in my classroom with the children, and I will always remember him, sitting in my desk chair, leaning back, and smiling at us all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mr French was a great influence on my life. I met him when I was about 13 years old when he worked some at Lake Wright golf course. I was the only girl playing. As I got older he encouraged me to try out for the boys high school team, I would be going to Kempsville High. He saw my passion and my talent. I made the team and played in college and turned professional. I’m still a golf professional today. He will be missed. So many people loved him. We will be praying for you all.

Wylie was a great educator. I was proud to call him a friend & colleague. My prayers are with Debbie and family.

Mr. French leaves an incredible legacy in the thousands of students he impacted throughout his career. I was one of those fortunate students. He was a huge supporter of the SCA, often participating in our activities. He stepped in to support me during a tough time in my admission process to Virginia Tech. I'm forever in his debt for that act of kindness. Rest peacefully Mr. French. Sincere condolences to his family and extended VB Schools family.

What a life this beautiful man has lived! A jack of all trades! He had no boundaries and has touched so many lives from students, peers, friends and family. It was a very full life and we all got to have a piece of him. He was willing to step in anytime we needed! Nothing was to little or to big. When you look at the incredible love you guys have it proves that everyone has a soulmate and I was so blessed to watch and learn. I am sending the biggest virtual hug I have to you now! Being a huge VT fan I will never look at UVA without thinking of you! Love and miss you Mrs.French!!!!! Thank you for sharing !!!

Wylie had a tremendous impact on so many people. I am blessed to have benefitted from Wylie’s sage advice in my career. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the family.

My sympathy to Debbie and her family. I just loved talking to Mr.French and I learned so many interesting things talking with him. God Bless you Debbie and Mr. French is in heaven keeping up with sports. Love you.

Condolences and prayers to the entire family. Mr. French made a positive impact on my family and me. Thanks for a lot of great high school memories and for being a wonderful friend.

He was a great teacher, administrator, coach, and greater still, a good man. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Mr French was a great principal , he kept me out of trouble a lot of times when I thought like a teenager. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and may he Rest In Peace

Mr French gave me my first job teaching Health and PE at the Beach. He was a sweetheart and a supporter of students at Cox as assist principal . My love to him and his family!

I was lucky to have Mr. French as a mentor, although I spent a lot of time in his office, he never judged me or treated me as a trouble maker even though I was. I respected his dedication to the school and the students in it. In 1996 I went to see him at VB middle school. He was happy to see me and I was glad to speak to him in a adult manner. He will be missed. RIP my friend.

Me. French was a great teacher at Cox. He was fair but firm and always a gentleman. My prayers are with his family.

You were so good to us. We loved you and will miss you very much. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers! Anne and Tommy Chowns

I was not a trouble maker in high school, but managed to be near by when others were subjects of Wylies scrutney. He was always firm but fair. A man truly deserving of our respect. My sincere condolences to his extended family. Bob Tynes ( Cox 1965 )

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.