Aces of Trades: Jim Sayre pens book about trials and tribulations of being blind

ZANESVILLE – He’s no typical author.

“I was an adventurous child, always wanting to do things that I was told I could not do,” recalled Jim Sayre. “Really, I didn’t dream of doing anything specifically as I grew up. I was governed more by what I could do because of my disability, and what I was allowed to do by society.

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

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

“The book is about me growing up as a totally blind person in a sighted world,” explained Sayre. “It touches on the trials and tribulations that I encountered, also many failures and victories along the way. Overall, I think the reader will see that disabilities 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 went on to earn a degree in education from Ohio State in 1964, then a master’s from The University of Tennessee in 1969.

“Upon graduating from Ohio State,” he said, “I found it impossible to obtain a job as a teacher. Even though I was able to perform as a student teacher, most school boards were hesitant to hire a blind teacher. I therefore took a job as director of rehabilitation at Zanesville Goodwill Industries. I really didn’t know anything about rehabilitation but found it interesting.

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

“Upon graduation from UT, I obtained a position in Wisconsin,” he continued. “We moved lock stock and barrel to Madison, Wisconsin, where I took a position as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the blind. I then obtained work in Ohio and returned to Zanesville in 1975, being employed as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Ohio Service for the Vision Impaired and retired from that position in 2004.

“Of course,” he noted, “I had written papers connected with education and several themes, term papers, etc. But this book is my first attempt at being a novelist.”

Jim Watson is a long-time friend and owner of The Barn.

“Jimmy and I met here at The Barn, and have become friends over the years,” confirmed Watson. “As I read the book I was inspired by the courage and determination he showed by overcoming so many obstacles. I was amazed by some of the physical things Jimmy achieved with no sight, such as bike riding, hiking, even being a camp counselor. It seemed to me from a young age Jimmy was set on being just like any other kid and that translated into him being a very successful member of society who was able to help many others through his work – and I thought to myself, ‘Of all the obstacles he had to overcome and decided if he could do what he’s done, then we should be able to get through our tough times.’

“Jimmy has always shown he is a very nice, kind and caring person,” Watson added. “I certainly learned so much more about his journey through life from his book.”

“Serious consideration of writing the book came into play about four years ago,” Sayre responded. “My nephew, a professional writer, consented to guiding me through my stories. So I had the means, therefore the motivation.

“I felt the message I had to relay,” he concluded, “was important enough for people to be able to read it in an enjoyable manner that will stand the test of time.”

Jim Sayre will have a book signing at The Barn at 5:30 p.m. July 26.

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

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Retired college counselor writes a book about growing up blind