Jim Muhlestein is faculty honoree

James Muhlestein is highly appreciated by the hundreds of students at Monticello High School who were tutored and guided by him over the 29 years he directed the music programs at the school.
Now he is being honored by the MHS Alumni as the Faculty Grand Marshall at the Alumni Homecoming Roundup on September 15 and 16. Jim could also be honored as the Alumni Grand Marshall since he graduated with the MHS Class of 1972.
Jim is the son of legendary Harold and Fay Muhlestein, who have made a major contribution for good to the citizens of San Juan and Monticello. Jim is the middle child in a family of five. His siblings are all very successful in their respective professions, including a leading corporate attorney (Randy), a well known heart surgeon (Brent), a popular BYU English professor (Dan) and a computer genius with a background in Russian and Middle Eastern History (Janie).
Jim stands out as unique because he is super capable, a real handyman and a respected professional in the music field. 
Jim led the Buckaroos to many prize-winning competitions in instrumental and vocal music during his tenure at MHS. Every year his students got better and and every year more students signed up for band, chorus and his famous jazz band.
Attendance at the annual public concerts became some of the best attended functions on the San Juan social calendar.
When Jim retired in 2007, he was recognized as one of the most caring and effective music teachers to ever work in Utah.
His groups earned countless awards because Jim is not only a consummate professional musician, but also an efficient and understanding teacher who worked tirelessly to help each individual student reach the highest potential.
Ultimately, Jim’s reputation was such that the San Juan School District built a fabulous stand-alone, state-of-the-art music facility behind the main school building. The scholarship money his students received exceeded the entire athletic program at MHS, several times over. 
Jim and his wife Cynthia raised six Buckaroo children, all now MHS Alumni, who each excelled in their high school years, including Dennis ‘95, Jed ‘97, LeiAnn ‘99, Peggy ‘00, Andrea ‘05, and Ben ‘07. Each followed the prime example set by their parents and grandparents.
On his retirement, a large number of students, parents, faculty and administration paid him the highest tribute.
He is just like his parents and siblings, a true professional with a heart of gold and a reputation of a Good Samaritan.
One thing for sure, you can always count on Jim Muhlestein – he will come through in the best possible way, every time!