James Ployhar

James D. Ployhar, 80, died Tuesday, January 2, 2007, in his Fargo home. He was born September 22, 1926, in Valley City to Helga and Roy Ployhar. He graduated from Valley City High School and served in the Army in the Philippines before returning to continue his education, earning a B.S. from Valley City State University and an M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado. He did doctoral study at UCLA. He married Ruth McLain on August 22, 1948, in Durango, Colorado. Mr. Ployhar began his career as a music educator in Lakota, ND, then spent 19 years as a teacher at Agassiz Junior High School in Fargo. He was a frequent clinician and guest conductor at the undergraduate and university level throughout the United States and many foreign countries. James D. Ployhar is considered to be one of the most prolific writers in the field of music education. His credits have appeared in well over 800 music publications, his compositions and scores have aired on network TV, and his music is performed internationally in Europe and Asia. Mr. Ployhar’s extensive background in orchestration includes work with the Danish Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Ployhar is the author of numerous band courses, arrangements, and compositions. He is the recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence offered for outstanding contributions to bands and band music. He received the Distinguished Alumnus award from his alma mater, and has been elected into membership of the American Bandmasters Association. He was commissioned by the North Dakota legislature to write a state march, the Flickertail March, and the Centennial Overture. In addition to music production, he formed and directed the Fargo Theater Big Band All Stars and co-produced the Disney adventure film, Iron Will. He and Ruth enjoyed many activities together including camping, concerts, church activities, and travel. Mr. Ployhar is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their five children: Steve (Maria), Carol (Paul), Debbie (Larry), Jane, and Doug (Peggy) and 11 grandchildren: Sarah (Jeremy), Michael (Lauren), Laura, Katie, Taylor, Cory, Amanda, Thomas, Timothy, Maggie and Michael, and one great-grandson, Brett. Memorials are preferred to Valley City State University Music Department, American Cancer Society, Peace Gardens International Music Camp or Hospice of the Red River Valley. Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 with a prayer service at 7 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo and one hour before services Saturday. Funeral: Saturday, 10:30 AM, Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND Burial: Woodbine Cemetery, Valley City, ND