Dr. Jimmy Read Haskins

Dr. Jimmy R Haskins retired Superintendent of Brenham State School passed away May 15, 2022. Jimmy Read Haskins was born on June 15, 1935 in Tehuacana, Tx. to parents Acker and Edna Haskins. He grew up in Tehuacana and attended Mexia High School where he graduated in 1953. Haskins went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University with a B.A. in Sociology in 1957 and subsequently received a Masters of Education in Educational Psychology from Sam Houston State University in 1960. In 1971 while working full time at the Mexia State School, he received a doctorate degree in Educational Psychology from Baylor University. In 1972, he moved to Brenham where he became the first Superintendent of the new Brenham State School.

Dr. Haskins had a long and successful career providing leadership in the development and delivery of quality services for persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. During his tenure as Director of Special Projects at Mexia State School (1962-72) he was instrumental in working with the Kennedy Foundation to provide the first Special Olympics in Texas. As Superintendent of the Brenham State School from 1972 to 1993, Dr. Haskins instilled high standards and lofty goals with BS receiving national recognition during those years. Brenham State School was the first state school in Texas to attain accreditation from a national group recognizing excellent service to people with intellectual disabilities.

Jimmy was a Life Member of both Baylor University and Sam Houston State University Alumni Associations. He was a member emeritus of American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities served on the Board of Volunteer Service at Brenham State School; was a Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce; a trustee for the United Way and was honored by Senate Proclamation #621 in recognition of 37 years of service to the state of Texas.

Retirement allowed Jimmy time to play golf and dominoes with friends for many years. Jimmy is survived by his daughter Christi Kobelan (Thom) and grandsons Walker, Wyatt, Dodge and McCord Kobelan. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Haskins, son Walt Haskins and parents Ack and Edna Haskins.

Visitation will begin Friday, June 3rd at 8 am. Family will receive friends from 5-7 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 4th at 2:00 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Boys and Girls Club of America or Brenham State School Volunteer Service Council.