Feb. 28--A Chicago Public Schools teacher has died after suffering a heart attack at an elementary school in the Austin neighborhood, authorities said.
James Dasher, 58, collapsed Tuesday afternoon at Spencer Elementary Technology Academy, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He was pronounced dead at 3:50 p.m. at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park.
An autopsy determined the cause of death was cardiovascular disease.
Dasher taught eighth grade history, according to his ex-wife, Marilyn Merriford of Riverwoods. He also coached cross-country and was trying to start a debate team, she said.
"He was someone who was very selfless. He cared a lot about teaching and he cared a lot about his students," Merriford said. "He died doing what he loved to do, and we get solace from that."
Merriford and Dasher have two grown sons. Dasher previously taught at Fenger High School in the Roseland neighborhood, then took time off to care for his parents in Florida, Merriford said. He began teaching at Spencer at the beginning of the school year.
CPS released a statement, saying, "This week, a medical emergency took place at Spencer Technology Academy. Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the teacher at this time, and we have provided a crisis team to the school to support students and staff."
Dasher's wake will be held Sunday at Donnellan Funeral Home in Skokie. His family is requesting donations to Catholic Charities in lieu of flowers.
