James Menousek, taught chemistry for 35 years

James A. Menousek of Bethel, who taught 35 years at Ridgefield High School and then became a volunteer at the school, died Monday, Oct. 2, at Danbury Hospital after a long illness. He was 66 years old.
Mr. Menousek, who taught chemistry, came to Ridgefield High School when it was still on East Ridge and had graduating classes of about 50 students. He retired in 1997 and immediately began volunteering 20 hours a week at the school assisting staff and students.
“He enjoyed being at Ridgefield High School so much that after he retired because of his illness, he continued to come in every day as a volunteer to help with computer maintenance and programming,” said high school Principal Joseph Ellis. ”When I suggested that maybe we could arrange for a paid job, he said he preferred working for nothing so he could come and go as he pleased.”
Mr. Menousek grew up in New Britain and graduated from Central Connecticut State College with a bachelor’s degree in education and from Fairfield University with a master’s in science education. He was a recipient of a National Science Foundation Award.
He came to Ridgefield High School in 1961. At that time, he told The Press in 1999, there were three openings in the state for a science teacher and he chose Ridgefield because it had “by far the best facility.”
“I probably learned more than the kids did my first year,” he said. “They learned some chemistry. I learned how to teach chemistry.”
And it was the teaching he loved. “The drag in teaching is the homework, correcting lab tests. But the excitement in a class is still there for me. I love it.”
Mr. Menousek had great rapport with students. Years ago, a student in class asked him his age and when he declined to reveal it, the students said they would sing happy birthday to him every day. And they did — for more than 15 years — passing the tradition on to each new class.
In 1997 Mr. Menousek came down with pneumonia and was out for eight school days — more time than he had missed in 35 years. It unnerved him and he decided to retire, effective Feb. 4, 1997. The next day, he returned as a volunteer, helping with computers, which had been his hobby for many years.
“He could fix anything that was broken, electrical or mechanical,” Dr. Ellis said. “I once asked him to look at a broken electric pencil sharpener. After he had it working, I said that I was surprised that he knew about electric pencil sharpeners. He said it was the first time he ever worked on one.”
“Jim Menousek was a throwback to another era,” Dr. Ellis added. “He was one of those old-time, dedicated teachers with high standards whose major concern was the teaching of chemistry.”
Survivors include two sons, Michael Menousek of Newtown and Andrew Menousek of Clearwater, Fla.; a daughter, Margaret Austin of Manhattan Beach, Calif; a sister, Betteanne Menousek of New Britain; and two grandchildren, Catherine and Matthew Menousek, both of Newtown.
Friends will be received at the Kane Funeral Home, 41 Catoonah Street, today (Thursday) from 4 to 7 p.m.
There are no services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 372 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897.