James Savage held various titles throughout his life, including superintendent, principal, vice principal, veteran, and coach, and left a lasting impact on the educational community. He and passed away on Friday, October 25, 2013 at the age of 84. The James R. Savage Educational Center was named in his honor.
In 1947, Savage earned the title of “A Prince Among Men” in the Boston Latin yearbook, a moniker he lived up to throughout his entire life. General Manager John Carroll remarked, “He really was a prince among men.”
Beginning his educational career as a math teacher in the Whitman Public Schools, Savage transitioned into school administration. In 1966, he assumed the role of vice principal at Norwood Junior High School, and in 1969, when Norwood Junior High North opened, he became its inaugural principal.
Known for his caring and considerate nature, Savage always made time to counsel and support students and staff. Norwood High principal George Usevich described him as a man of strong values, a role model, and someone who was always true to his word. “If you listened to him, and took his advice, you’re never go wrong. That was Jim Savage,” said Usevich. “To have gotten to know him and work with him was a privilege and an honor.”
Remaining with Norwood Public Schools, Savage became superintendent in 1982, serving in this capacity for 10 years. Selectman Allan Howard praised Savage as a tough yet smart and reasonable person, emphasizing his direct and straightforward communication style. “It was well deserved having the Junior High North renamed the Savage Center. I felt, during his term, particularly as superintendent he substantially improved the education system here in Norwood,” Selectman Allan Howard said. “I probably dealt with three or four different superintendents over the years. Jim was totally different. He had the appearance of being a tough guy, but he was a very smart person and very reasonable to deal with,” Howard said. “He never got upset. He was a direct person who told it like it was.”
Savage would serve as Norwood School Superintendent for 10 years.
At his retirement party, Greg Sullivan characterized the Savage Era as “an era of good feeling,” highlighting Savage’s respect among School Committee members, administrators, teachers, staff, and students.
In 2003, in recognition of his substantial contributions to the Norwood education system, Norwood Junior High North was renamed the James R. Savage Educational Center.
Beyond his educational roles, Savage served as a veteran in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, contributing to the development of educational programs for soldiers. He was the husband of Catherine “Kay” Jennings and the father of James Savage, Jr., Steve Savage, Dr. Mary Savage Brown, and Cathy Savage-Eysie.
In 2013, Howard fondly recalled an encounter with Savage during a door-to-door campaign, noting his genuine character and positive influence on Norwood.
“Three years ago, I was doing my door-to-door campaign when I went to Jim’s house. I knocked on his door, it wasn’t until two hours later that I was back to knocking on doors, because it was Jim and his wife, and I couldn’t tear myself away from them,” Howard said. “He was a good guy, and he was good for Norwood.”
(Written by George Curtis, Norwood Historical Society)
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