James M. “Jimmie” Gillentine, 80th president, was born in Fort Worth on April 11, 1909.

He majored in journalism at Southern Methodist University. He began as a reporter for the student newspaper, The Campus, and was editor in 1930-31. He had to drop out of college for a year to handle his father’s oil business when his father became ill.

After working a few months for the Dallas Times-Herald, in 1932 he became news editor for the Wellington Leader.

On Feb. 15, 1939, Gillentine became news editor of the Hereford Brand. Two years later he purchased a half interest in the Brand. In 1949 he became owner-publisher when he purchased the remaining interest.

Gillentine married Clara Castleberry on July 28, 1934. They had a daughter and a son.

He served as president of Panhandle Press Association in 1943-44.