5 In memoriam: Jim Frank Heath, 1931-2012 meritus Professor Jim Heath, born April 9, 1931 in Clarendon, TX, died at his Lake Oswego home Jan. 4, 2012 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Family members, fellow parishioners, friends, colleagues, and former students crowded Mountain Park Church for a memorial service held Jan. 11. Jim grew to adulthood in Amarillo, TX, where he completed a junior college curriculum in 1951. Next he attended the University of New Mexico (1951-1955), earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration (1953) and an MA in economic history (1955). Upon completing the campus United States Air Force ROTC program, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. From 1955 to 1957 he served a tension-laden Cold War assignment as a USAF budget and fiscal officer at West Berlin’s Tempelhof Air Base. In 1951 Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carole Wilson, who accompanied him to West Berlin where their daughter, Nancy, was born. Upon returning to civilian life in 1957, the Heaths resettled briefly in Amarillo. There Jim worked in the family’s furniture business and their daughter, Ann, was born. Subsequently they moved to Albuquerque where Jim managed another family-owned business. He actively participated in local political, civic, and cultural organizations, as well as in various University alumni and support groups. By 1964 Jim had opted to pursue an academic professorial career. The Heath family moved to California and Jim began history graduate studies at Stanford University, completing his PhD in 1967. In the fall of that year, he joined the history department at Portland State College. With characteristic enthusiasm and energy, Professor Heath thrust himself into the academic world. His highly popular classes attracted large numbers of devoted students who found the subject matter to be fully relevant and meaningful to their lives. During the summers of 1969 and 1972 he held appointments as visiting professor at the University of Iowa and Stanford respectively. In 1970 the Danforth Association designated him a teaching associate. Ongoing research interests reinforced lively classroom instruction and led to significant publications in top level professional journals, including the Journal of American History, Business History Review, and Phylon Quarterly. In 1973 the American Council of Learned Societies awarded Jim a sabbatical leave grant that supported archival conduct research on the Kennedy-Johnson administra- tions. That work produced a timely and highly regarded book, Decade of Disillusionment: The Kennedy-Johnson Years (Indiana, 1975). Throughout his career Dr. Heath actively engaged in national professional associa- ions in order to expand his research and teaching experi- ences. Always an avid reader, he Jim Heath continuously contributed provocative book reviews to major historical journals. At PSU Professor Heath’s extensive service on campuswide faculty governance committees, such as the President’s Advisory Council, engendered a high level of respect and confidence among his colleagues. The University administration capitalized upon his organizational and managerial experience by appointing him to various upper level academic governance positions. During 1977-1981 he served as Dean of Undergraduate Instruction which required interaction with academic deans for curriculum development. He also served as interim Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (1983-85) and later as interim Dean of Graduate Studies and Research (1986-1987). Throughout all of these assignments, and up to the date of his retirement in 1993, Professor Heath consistently found time to teach highly successful courses. The University community, especially those of us who knew and worked with him, owe him a deep debt of gratitude for long and distinguished service that made an indelible impression on our academic enterprise. Jim’s survivors include Judith Letcher Heath, his wife of 37 years; daughters Nancy Heath (Randy) Jarigese and Ann Heath; granddaughters Catie Theisen and Grace Jarigese; brother Dan Heath; and first wife Carole Wilson Heath. Our organization deeply regrets the loss of a treasured member, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his survivors. Remembrances may be made to the PSU Foundation, Friends of History, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751; the Salvation Army, 8495 SE Monterey Avenue, Happy Valley, OR 97086-7844; or Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, 3975 Mercantile Drive, Suite 154, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. --Emeritus Professor of History Victor C. Dahl E
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