powertid

Retired academic advisor writes book about growing up blind

Vaseline July 21, 2024

The book signing will take place on Friday at The Barn

Signed Eagle Fern
| Specially for the Times Recorder

ZANESVILLE – He is not your typical author.

“I was an adventurous kid, always wanting to do things that I was told I couldn’t do,” Jim Sayre recalls. “I didn’t really dream of doing anything specific growing up. I was more guided by what I could do because of my disability, and what society allowed me to do.

“Several people have suggested to me over the years that I write a book,” he added, “including professionals and friends. But I never thought I would write a book. That’s what happens when you’re retired and don’t have a whole lot to do.”

Sayre did write a book. It’s called Jimmy.

“The book is about growing up as a completely blind person in a sighted world,” Sayre explained. “It touches on the trials and tribulations I faced, as well as the many failures and triumphs along the way. Overall, I think the reader will see that disability can be overcome with hard work and a lot of luck.”

Sayre, who said he’s “younger than some and older than others,” grew up on Ashland Avenue in Zanesville. He graduated from Zanesville High School in 1958, the first blind person to attend the school. He earned a degree in education from Ohio State University in 1964 and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1969.

“When I graduated from Ohio State,” he said, “I couldn’t get a teaching job. Although I could serve as a student teacher, most school boards were hesitant to hire a blind teacher. So I took a job as director of rehabilitation at Zanesville Goodwill Industries. I didn’t really know anything about rehabilitation, but I found it interesting.

“Around that same time,” he added, “the government established training programs for vocational rehabilitation counselors. My wife and I decided to apply to the program and I was accepted by three different universities, choosing the University of Tennessee.

“After graduating from UT, I got a job in Wisconsin,” he continued. “We moved all the way to Madison, Wisconsin, where I got a job as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the blind. I then got a job in Ohio and returned to Zanesville in 1975, where I was employed as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Ohio Service for the Vision Impaired, retiring in 2004.

“Of course,” he noted, “I have written articles on education and various topics, term papers, etc. But this book is my first attempt at becoming a novelist.”

Jim Watson is a good friend and owner of The Barn.

“Jimmy and I met here at The Barn and have become friends over the years,” Watson confirmed. “When I read the book, I was inspired by the courage and determination he showed in overcoming so many obstacles. I was amazed at some of the physical things Jimmy accomplished without sight, like riding a bike, hiking, and even being a camp counselor. It seemed to me that Jimmy was determined from an early age to be just like any other kid and that translated into him being a very successful member of society who was able to help so many others through his work – and I thought to myself, ‘Of all the obstacles he had to overcome and decided that if he could do what he did, then we should be able to get through our hard times.’

“Jimmy has always shown himself to be a very kind, gentle, caring person,” Watson added. “I definitely learned a lot more about his journey through life through his book.”

“There was serious consideration for writing the book about four years ago,” Sayre replied. “My cousin, a professional writer, agreed to guide me through my stories. So I had the means, so I had the motivation.

“I felt that the message I had to convey,” he concluded, “was important enough that it could be read in a way that people would enjoy reading, so that it would stand the test of time.”

Jim Sayre will be hosting a book signing at The Barn on July 26 at 5:30pm.

Aces of Trades is a weekly series that focuses on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who make ordinary jobs extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at [email protected].