Emeritus trustee dies Monday
Former superintendent had ‘genuine love’ for TCU community

By Jaime Walker
Senior News Editor

Julius Truelson spent his life working with students, first as a teacher, then as the superintendent of the Fort Worth Independent School District from 1965 to 1975. But his years as a TCU student transformed his life.

Known to his friends and colleagues as “Judy,” Truelson died suddenly Monday at the age of 87.

“Truelson’s left a remarkable legacy here,” said DeVonna Tinney, senior associate for leadership gifts with university advancement. “His love for TCU began when he got here in 1932, and it never stopped. Every time he told a story about his years as a student, it was obvious that he loved life, and he loved this place.”

As a student, Truelson was an athlete. He came to TCU on a football scholarship, and before he graduated in 1935, he lettered in football, basketball, tennis and track. But TCU officials in those days knew him best as a prankster.

Tinney said Truelson spent his years as an upperclassmen charging freshmen 25 cents to use TCU’s free swimming pool.

“He laughed and laughed, and then said when he was a teacher and superintendent, the fact he always got caught reminded him to give people a second chance,” Tinney said.

As superintendent of Fort Worth ISD during the 1970s, Truelson headed the district when area schools began court-ordered busing.
Truelson went on to serve on TCU’s Board of Trustees from 1972 until he was giving emeritus status in 1979. Tucker said Truelson attended the board’s March meeting, even commenting on some of the business.

Former Chancellor James Moudy knew Truelson not only as an active alumnus and trustee, but also as a friend and fellow member of University Christian Church.

“Judy was a positive thinker, a hard worker and a wonderful man,” Moudy said. “He had a wonderful understanding of human nature, and was always willing to give a compliment if it was due. He spoke his mind honestly, and always thought it better to live life faithfully and with dignity.”

Moudy said Truelson’s contributions to the university and the Fort Worth community were unparalleled.

“Alumni tend to give back to the university in different ways,” Moudy said. “In Judy’s case, he gave back in all those ways — with his time, his efforts, his financial support and in his genuine love for this institution and the people here.”

Funeral services for Julius Truelson will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at University Christian Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mineral Metabolism Department at University of Texas Southwest Medical Center or the James L. West Care Center.

Jaime Walker
j.l.walker@student.tcu.edu