Gladwell, a former teacher, coach and vice principal in Nicholas County; superintendent in Clay County; director of purchasing and assistant superintendent in Kanawha County; superintendent in Harrison County; and deputy state superintendent of schools, retired from the West Virginia Department of Education in 1988 as assistant state superintendent of schools. A World War II Navy veteran, Gladwell worked for 38 years in West Virginia education.  

“Jim was a mentor and an inspirational role model to many educators in West Virginia,” said State Superintendent Dr. David Stewart. “He was a superb manager, an exemplary educator and an outstanding leader.”  

Gladwell was a member of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators, the American Association of School Administrators, the West Virginia Association of School Business Officials, Alpha Psi Omega, Phi Delta Kappa (past president), the Board of Trustees for Salem College and the Fairmont State College Foundation Board during his distinguished career.  

He also served as federal liaison representative for the Council of Chief State School Officers, and was active in the Association of School Business Officials, Rotary and Lions clubs and the Masonic Orders of Charleston.