Tributes have poured in for an “honest” and “dedicated” Arbroath head teacher who died over the weekend.
James Coyle, of Hayshead Primary School, passed away on Sunday aged 54. He had served as head teacher of the Arbroath school for over 10 years.
Originally from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Jim went into teaching later in life.
Upon leaving high school, he started a youth employment scheme as a welder.
He also worked in the Department of Social Security in Rutherglen before applying to teaching college.
Jim will be ‘sorely missed’
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: “We are saddened to hear about the untimely death of James (Jim) Coyle, who has been head teacher at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath for over 10 years.
“Jim was a dedicated husband, dad, educator and good friend who will be sorely missed by everyone.”
He moved to Dundee in 1993 and taught at St Fergus RC Primary School for over nine years, which also included a secondment as an ICT staff tutor.
Mr Coyle briefly worked as a lecturer at Dundee University before commencing his first leadership role.
This was as a depute head teacher at St Columba’s RC Primary School, which eventually became St Andrew’s RC Primary when St Columba’s merged with St Margaret’s.
He was then successfully appointed head teacher at Hayshead Primary School in 2011.
The spokesperson for Angus Council continued: “Over the years that followed, Jim worked tirelessly to establish the school with a particular focus on nurture and creativity.
“The school’s recent successes both locally and nationally are due to the faith in the community and culture he helped build.
“For 18 months, Jim was also seconded to a role within the Scottish Government, which involved supporting groups and schools with their improvement journey.
“On his return to school and after years of planning, Jim supported moving into the new Abbey View Campus, a joint venture between Hayshead and St Thomas RC Primary School.
“Shortly after this, the pandemic hit, but Jim guided his staff and families through this very challenging time.”
‘Larger-than-life’
Colleagues say Jim was invested in school life and valued every person he came across.
He was renowned for staff mentoring skills and developing leadership in others.
The Angus Council spokesperson added: “In whatever role Jim has undertaken in education, he always put the children first.
“For those who knew Jim, they would describe him as a larger-than-life character, with a great sense of humour.
“Jim enjoyed listening and subjecting others to his very eclectic range of music and was an avid football fan right to the end.
Tracy Holmes, our Chairperson has said the following on behalf of us all at Hayshead Parent Council ❤💔 pic.twitter.com/RJ0LGdLIJK
— Hayshead Parent Council (@HaysheadPC) October 18, 2021
“He cared about his family greatly and often talked about how proud he was of his children Erin, Joe and Jenny. His family also look back fondly of how much Jim enjoyed hearing stories from the children at school.
“Jim will live long in the memory of those who were fortunate to meet him.
“He has left a lasting impression in education within Angus Council and beyond and, although this is a very sad time for everyone, particularly his wife Gillian and the rest of his family, it is heartening to hear the positive stories and well wishes about Jim since the news broke of his death.”
‘Devastating to lose him’
Hayshead Parent Council confirmed the heartbreaking news on Twitter on Monday afternoon.
The social media post was met with an outpouring of grief and shock from colleagues, parents and former pupils alike.
Chairperson Tracy Holmes said: “It’s with great sadness that we are informing the passing of Mr Coyle.
“He was an amazing head teacher who was committed to coming along to our meetings for the parent council.
“He put up with all us women and had a great laugh with us all. Anything for the kids and the community. Nothing was ever too much.
“Our hearts are with his family, colleagues and friends. He will be sorely, sorely missed by everyone.”
Yesterday my best friend died. Today I had to share with staff and families that our Head Teacher was no longer with us. Devastating to lose him and no words can describe the pain we as a community are feeling right now. Our thoughts are with his family. #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay pic.twitter.com/t9H0eZlImU
— 𝕄𝕣 𝔹𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕖 (@Haysie_DHT) October 18, 2021
Depute head teacher Steve Beattie shared the news with Hayshead Primary School staff and the families of students on Monday.
He also posted a poignant tribute to his “best friend” James on social media.
He said: “Yesterday my best friend died.
“Today I had to share with staff and families that our head teacher was no longer with us.
“Devastating to lose him and no words can describe the pain we as a community are feeling right now. Our thoughts are with his family.”
The news was met with shock and sadness from those in the community.
One Dundee University lecturer, Edward Valentine, said on Twitter: “I am devastated and I feel for Jim’s family.
“He had such honesty, integrity and a passion for doing the right things for his school. I will miss him terribly.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
‘He was so passionate’
Angus councillor Julie Bell also posted her condolences on social media, saying: “I’m devastated to hear this.
“I worked with Mr Coyle on various things when I worked at Angus Council.
“He was so passionate about his school, the pupils and supporting the school team.
“Please accept my deepest condolences and sadness.”
We'd like to share this photo of Mr Coyle. This was taken at one of our annual Family Fun Days a few years back. Mr Coyle was always at his happiest, surrounded by his pupils, helping them grow, learn and have fun ❤@HaysheadPrimary @Haysie_DHT pic.twitter.com/7S7b8l8FWR
— Hayshead Parent Council (@HaysheadPC) October 19, 2021