The Norman Transcript

Features

Discussion

February 6, 2010

Advocate for all

By Christian Potts

While he doesn't do what he does for recognition, Jim Agar is getting some anyway.

Agar has spent 55 years in Norman, stepping well beyond his role in the business world to help touch many lives.

Most recently, a scholarship program he established 14 years ago has helped more than 50 students and given out more than $100,000 in scholarships to students since its establishment.

Agar recently was selected as the recipient of the Sam Matthews Social Justice Award, given annually to a member of the Norman community who has been an advocate for social justice.

"We look for people who are stepping out of their comfort zone, using the tools of their trade to affect the public good," said Clint Williams, executive director of the Xenia Institute, which sponsors the award.

Agar was one of 12 nominees who then were selected by a committee that includes the president of Xenia's board and previous recipients of the award.

The award is named for the late Sam Matthews, the first Realtor in Norman to sell a home to an African-American family in the 1960s.

"He really brought on a change in how Norman saw itself," Williams said.

Agar will receive the award at a banquet 7 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church, 220 S. Webster Ave.

Originally from Chicago, he moved to Norman in the mid-1950s and has been active in a number of local business, including Norman Building and Loan, Norman Savings and Loan, Agar, Ford, Jarmon and Muldrow Insurance and Agar Enterprises.

Agar also served on the Norman City Council, as well as being a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Norman Rotary Club and as a regular supporter for a number of city and county events.

Lester Reed, former Norman Public Schools superintendent and the recipient of the award two years ago himself, nominated Agar for the honor this year.

He said his longtime friend and colleague has been doing good around Norman as long as he's known him.

"In a variety of ways Jim has just helped numerous people around Norman," Reed said. "Even in the operation of his business, he did all he could to make people feel ownership in it.

"When I first came here as superintendent of schools, I met Jim, and I was impressed with Jim right off the bat and his general demeanor."

Agar established the Bootstrap Scholarship through Bridges, which for many years was called Independent Living Services for Youth. The program works with high school students who are forced to live alone due to a family situation, such as the death or incarceration of a parent.

The scholarships, Agar said, are to help students who may not make the best grades but "have picked themselves up by their bootstraps" to build their life.

Assisted by E'Ann Robinson, Agar has found mentors, secured funding and awarded graduating students with a plaque to mark their achievements.

While Agar's health has not been as good in recent months, he continues to be active.

Reed said he is in contact with him almost daily.

"He's still at the office everyday, and still plays golf when he's able to," Reed said.

Tickets to the banquet honoring Agar are $20 each and are available through the Xenia Institute at 321-8682, or by e-mail to Paige Hoster, Xenia's assistant to the executive director at paige@xeniainstitute.org.

Text Only
Features
The Business Marquee
Facebook