DR. MIKE JAMES WAS A CHARISMATIC AND CHERISHED MEMBER of the Harding University committee for 47 years. James, who died Oct. 9, 2021, spent his entire career at Harding, and his contributions to the University are unforgettable. James graduated from Harding College in 1973, and immediately began to serve as campus photographer, and he became one of Harding’s most familiar faces as he photographed sporting events, concerts, Spring Sing and so much more. As James began to transition into teaching in the Department of Communication, he received the MSMC degree from Arkansas State University in 1984 and his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1992, eventually being named chair and dean. From 2010 – 2015 James and his wife Beth were resident directors at the Harding University Greece program. In addition to his academic duties at HUG, the James’ helped establish a new church facility in Elleniko. Steven Chandler, International Programs Communications & Recruiting Coordinator, served as the James’ assistant during their time in Greece. “Mike had the incredible ability to develop deep connections with people in no time at all,” Chandler said. “It was amazing to see this in action while traveling with HUG. He would befriend a store owner at an olive wood shop in this town, a coffee server in that city, a tunic shop owner on that island, etc. Even though these visits were short and at most three times per year, people were always happy to see Mike.” “It didn’t take his PhD in Communication for Mike to understand and speak that universal, unspoken language that exists between all people,” Chandler said. “It’s why a person’s primary language or potential cultural barrier didn’t stop Mike. He simply made the most of each moment with everyone he met, filled with sincerity, compassion and joy. That is why Mike will be missed not just in the Harding community, but all over the world.” After five years in Greece, James returned to Searcy in 2015 to become the dean of the Honors College. Debbie Baird, longtime Honors College Administrator, worked with James for five years before his retirement in August 2020. “Dr. J’s love of students was well known through his time at Harding while teaching and leading the Department of Communication, directing the HUG program, serving as a sponsor of Chi Sigs and hosting weekly Bible studies in his home,” Baird said. James was known for having an open heart and office door, and he “visited with potential students, current students, and alumni,” Baird said. “Welcoming and investing in people was a gift that he cultivated as he encouraged others to reach their God-given potential.” In 2007, James was named a Distinguished Professor of Communication, Harding’s highest faculty ranking. James is survived by his wife Beth, four children and nine grandchildren. “His love for others, centered on Christ’s love for all, was the biggest and best part of Dr. J.”, Baird said. WRITTEN BY DR. JACK SHOCK IN LOVING MEMORY OF MIKE JAMES REMEMBERING DR. MIKE JAMES DESIGNED BY OLIVIA DUNN 131 Dr. Mike James is missed around the world. REST IN PEACE Dr. Mike James speaks at commencement. James was a pillar of the University for many years. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery
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