Source: http://www.mgccc.edu/InTouch/November2005/IT1105_Dedications_and_Groundbreakings.htm

November 16, 2005

DEDICATION -- J.E. Bryan Jr. Hall, Perkinston Campus, 1 p.m.

James E. Bryan Jr., who died on Sept. 29, 2005, will have his memory honored in the dedication of J.E. Bryan Jr. Hall on the Perkinston Campus. The event will follow the Board of Trustees luncheon.

The new Georgian-style residence hall, a $4.8 million project, combines old-school charm with the latest 21st-century student conveniences. The 25,596-square-foot building features 50 suites with baths; a dorm supervisor area; laundry; a study area; a lobby; and video-camera security. Each room includes voice/data connections for Internet and phone service.

Bryan, a Stone County resident and respected businessman, lived to see the hall completed and was honored that after 26 years of service on the college's Board of Trustees and a lifetime of community work, that his name was bestowed upon the new structure. At the June 2, 2004, groundbreaking, he told the crowd it was quite an honor for an ``old forestry man.'' During my time on the board, I learned about the impact this college has on the community. I can truly say, `My cup runneth over.' ''

The residence-hall's construction was made possible through a combination of state and county funding. A collection of state bonds worth $3.5 million paid for construction, while an additional $1.3 million of capital support from Jackson, Harrison, George and Stone counties provided the furnishings, parking lot and a roadway project.

As for Bryan, his contributions to Stone County were numerous: Pearl River Valley Development Corporation, six-year term; Bank of Wiggins, Advisory Board member, director and chairman of the board; United Methodist Church, member since 1946 and service as chairman of the Administrative Board, Board of Stewards and Finance Chairman; Wiggins Rotary, a member for more than 25 years; and past president; Stone County Economic Development Corporation; and served as chairman when Flint Creek Water Park was developed.

He served the Gulf Coast board as chairperson (1985-86), first vice chairperson (1983-84, 1998-99), second vice chairperson (1996-97, 2000-01) and secretary (1980-82, 1994-95), and served as a member of the board's building, insurance and nominating committees.

A graduate of Louisiana State University (he earned a bachelor's degree in forestry), his first employment was as a forestry instructor at Auburn University. He was also a World War II veteran who enlisted in 1940 and served overseas in Europe and Africa. After being discharged in 1945, with the rank of major, he moved to Wiggins and was employed by the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Company as chief forester.

Bryan enjoyed a distinguished career of more than 50 years in the forestry profession and retired from International Paper Company in 1974. For the next 17 years, he offered his services as a Forestry Consultant.

He is survived by his wife, Leta Colvin Bryan, whom he met at Auburn University.