James D. “Jim” Starr (’60, ’62 M.P.A.), 88, of North Richland Hills, who had a long career in city government, died May 27, 2026. At North Texas, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government and economics and was the first graduate of what would become the Master of Public Administration program.

After college, Jim served as an assistant city manager of Irving for six years, as deputy executive director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments for 10 years and as city manager of Hurst for 16 years. Among his civic and professional activities, he served as president and board member for the Texas City Management Association and the North Texas City Management Association, and he was appointed by the governor to the board of the Texas Municipal Retirement System, which he also served as president.

Jim was a lifetime member of the UNT Alumni Association, as well as president and member of its board of directors. In 1997, he was honored as an outstanding alumnus of the public administration program. He received the university’s Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2004 and was a lifelong member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

He enjoyed golfing and collected antique golf clubs in his spare time. He also was a deacon and an active member of his church. He was preceded in death by Sally Rinaman Starr (’60), his wife of 57 years.