July 19, 2018 (Independence, IA) – The Independence Community School District (ICSD) would like to extend their thanks to a recent donor of the American Trotter Trail project, the Corkery Family. The Corkery family made a donation of a bench, in the memory of their parents, Jim and Jan Corkery. They honored them with a plaque on the bench which reads “Jim & Jan Corkery 30 Years of Service to Indee Schools.”
Jim and Jan Corkery were dedicated employees of the Independence Community School System. Jim was a middle school social studies teacher from 1964-1995. Students who had Jim as a teacher, may remember memorizing the 99 counties in Iowa, reading maps, his sympathy for the soldiers and families involved in the Vietnam War, and his stories about raising and showing pigeons. He was even known to pass on a few pigeons to anyone who expressed the least bit of interest in raising pigeons of their own.
Jim was also an excellent coach. He coached 7th grade football, basketball, and track and field. He genuinely loved being a coach and seeing the kids succeed. He enjoyed the people he taught and coached with; considering many of them best friends.
As the years went by, Jim enjoyed running into past students and former players and hearing all about their life’s journey and reminiscing for a bit. His family believes if he had to do it all over again he would in a minute.
Jim’s love for teaching inspired all three of his children to choose education as a career. Jan, Jim’s wife of 57 years, was a dedicated secretary with the school system from 1976-1995, most of that time being in the administration building. She too loved being a part of the Independence Community School District and working with so many wonderful people. For this reason, the bench donation seemed a perfect addition to ICSD, where Jan and Jim dedicated their time and made many memories.
Both Jim and Jan passed away within eight months of each other in the last year and a half. The family would like to honor their lives and memories right at the school where someone may sit and reminisce with Jim and Jan once again. Their bench is located in front of the Jr./Sr. High school beneath the flag pole.
The funds donated to the American Trotter Trail Project are used to pay for the benches, lighting and litter receptacles along the trail.
Making a donation to the American Trotter Trail is a distinct way to honor a loved one, recognize a graduating class (Class of XXXX), remember an achievement (XXXX State Champs), or publicize your business name to all who frequent the trail.
Community members have access to this paved trail on part of the Independence Community School District’s 92 acres. The American Trotter Trail name is in honor of the late C.W. Williams who owned a horse racing publication in the 1890’s called, The American Trotter, and also had a nationally recognized kite-shaped horse racing track, located primarily on the school’s 92 acres. The American Trotter Trail connects all three school buildings, creating a unified campus.
To make a donation or for more information on the American Trotter Trail, visit the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.
Pictured are Jim & Jan Corkery’s children and their families who made this generation donation in memory of their parents/grandparents.
Front – Loren Pink, Breanne Pink, Baby McCoy Pink, Baby Caden Pink, Austin Pink, Katelyn Loveland, Daughter Deb Corkery Bundy Back- Daughter Angie Corkery Pink, son Brian Corkery, Julie Corkery, Emma Corkery, Spencer Pink, Daniel Bundy, Kyle Bundy, Jayson Bundy, Kevin Bundy (not pictured Anna Corkery)
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