Dr. James J. Toal 1939-1998

James J. Toal was born on January 29,1939 to Joseph and Florence Toal in Monmouth, Illinois. Both his parents (Class of 1920) , his brother Bill '57, and he were graduates of Immaculate Conception School. Jim was very active in music and sports. He played trombone in the school band and in a band of his own. He received varsity letters in basketball, football, and track. In fact, he still holds the 400 yard run track record at Monmouth High School today. One of Jim's greatest high school achievements was receiving the Red Cross Award for saving an eleven-year-old boy's life at Lake Warren.

Another achievement of Jim's was his acceptance to the University of Notre Dame. Jim spent many years at Notre Dame. As an undergraduate, he participated in the Notre Dame Marching Band. Jim earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in engineering science. He was the first Notre Dame student to receive all three degrees in the engineering science Program. Throughout graduate school, Jim taught at the University and worked for the Bendix Aerospace Cooperation. After graduating with his doctorate, Jim continued to work for Bendix. While working for them, he received a NASA grant and designed and patented the landing pads on the first Lunar Module to the Moon.

In 1968, Jim accepted a position as a Team Leader in Research and Development with the US Army Weapons Command at the Rock Island Arsenal. In 1976, Jim left the Arsenal as the Director of Research at the Rodman Laboratory to begin a new career with John Deere and Company. Jim worked his way up the corporate ladder over the twenty-two years he spent with John Deere. He became the Head of Worldwide Business and Systems Integration.

His vision for technological advancement placed the company years ahead of other worldwide companies. In addition, Jim worked to create an atmosphere that fostered leadership, teamwork, education, principles, and values. A plaque inside John Deere's Information Technology Center states:

"This Information Technology Center was built to celebrate the constant evolution of our human potential. Herein, we hope to inspire learners-students and instructors alike to strive for the collaborative synergy that creates world-class solutions. By modeling the innovative spirit and zeal for learning that Jim Toal embraced; we challenge ourselves and all learners to ensure Deere 's future business success."

James J. Toal was a man who stood apart from the rest. His desire to make the world a better place and to make the world of those he touched a better place are what made his life so significant. He was given the foundation to lead a successful life through his faith and education. Immaculate Conception Grade School helped to create that foundation.

James J. Toal died on September 6, 1998. He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughters, Tamara, Megan, and Kara; son, James F.; grandchildren, Zoe Francine, John Michael, Nicholas James, Sophia Rose, and Joseph Patrick; and his brother Bill. He was preceded in death by his parents.