By now, most people in the UM social psychology community are probably aware of the September 1 passing of Professor James Jackson, a fixture at the university since the early 1970s. James' career is summarized in this New York Times article (link) that came out a few days ago. I noted in a Facebook posting that:
James was the social psych graduate-program director at Michigan the year my cohort entered (Fall 1984). He met with us every week, sharing his warmth and career-development advice with us. He also led the pioneering National Survey of Black Americans.(James's research with the NSBA, in fact, was a major point of emphasis in the Times article.)
Comments to my Facebook posting included the following:
- I wasn’t in the social area, but that didn’t stop James from meeting with me when I had some questions, and greeting me with warmth and interest in how I was doing every time our paths crossed at UM, and through the years following.
- Such sad news. James was a pioneer in so many ways, and an amazing mentor to multiple generations of students. He always greeted us with a warm smile, and helped establish the supportive, collaborative environment at Michigan.
- At some event for students, James said, "You get a PhD because you have a love affair with knowledge." That's not the exact quote, but I still repeat those words of wisdom to my own students.
- I caught up with James just a few years ago (2018) at the [American Public Health Association] annual meeting. He gave the most thought provoking talk and was so warm and cordial when I went up to speak with him afterwards. He was there to receive the Rema Lapousse award for outstanding contribution to psychiatric epidemiology.
- He was a wonderful colleague and my heart goes out to Toni and their two daughters, Ariana and Kendra.
- Very sorry to hear this! I caught up with James a decade ago, and it was great to see him. He was happy and healthy and kidding around like always. Such sad news!!
- So sorry about this. I have terrific memories of James.
- James was always super-nice. I'm so sorry to hear he is gone.
- This is so sad to hear; James was always so warm to the grad students of color. He was a balm for our experience.
- So so sad. He was the social area chair when my cohort came in. He mentored us, humored us, taught us and even partied with us!
A picture I took with James in 2009, when I was visiting campus for a small academic conference, appears in this older posting.