Remembering Dr. Pusack

This page has been created as an opportunity to contribute and share your remembrances of Professor Jim Pusack, who died suddenly on December 30, 2008 of a heart attack. Information concerning the funeral, to be held Sat. Jan. 3, is available on Lensing’s website. (Thanks, Johnathan)

If you want to submit your remembrances of Prof. Pusack, please fill out the form below (email addresses will not be published). Scroll down to read the postings.

Site of the Iowa City Shelter House

Messages 61-80 First | Previous | Next page | Last

• Judith Crossett
  Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 17:31:42
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  And because he is still with us, saying "hemiola" in answer to any choir question, the men of Trinity Choir chose him as their choir committee representative for 2009-10. Never forgotten.
  
  
• Joanne Shaver
  Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 12:22:31
  
  Over ten months now, and still missing Jim so much.  Although we didn't work together professionally, we did raise our wonderful daughter together.  I wish he were here to know that she DID get the scholarship she applied for and is now abroad studying, working and researching.  I am grateful for the love of learning, languages, and literature that he helped nurture in our daughter.
  Joanne
  
  
  
• Steve Ehrmann
  Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 11:58:40
  
  As a program officer with Annenberg/CPB, I was responsible for a grant in the late 1980s that helped get Jim and Sue's PICS project underway. It was a delight working with them. I have a terrible visual memory but I can see Jim now, laughing, bright, and determined.  It's probably been 15 years since I last saw him but, having just heard of his death, I miss him terribly.
  
  
• Jannett Chávez
  Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 23:03:44
  
  It has been over two months since Jim's passing and I still cannot believe he is no longer with us. Everyday at Phillips Hall I walk by Jim's door and expect to see him inside advising a student, having a conversation over the phone or simply working on one of his many projects, but each time I am disappointed. As many have said, Jim touched many lives, and mine is one of them. I still remember the joy in his face when I told him I had been accepted into the Education Department, an expression so sincere that made me realize that this man genuinely cared about me. I will never forget Jim as he has made a great impact in my life and because of him I have been able to become an accomplished person.
  
  Jim will be missed and never forgotten by those who knew him.
  
  
• Elizabeth Joiner
  Sunday, March 08, 2009 at 09:14:43
  
  I was deeply saddened to learn of Jim's death. Over a period of years, I worked with Jim and Sue on the creation and use of interactive video in FL teaching. Jim and Sue were both terrific, committed, talented, and intelligent academics. There aren't too many people around like that, and the world can't afford to lose even one. On a more personal note, Jim was great fun to be with, a warm, wonderful human being. He will be missed.
  
  
• Thom Thibeault
  Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 11:31:04
  
  What a wonderful pioneer Jim was. I remember attending a Dasher workshop that he and Sue Otto put on and I enjoyed his insights and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed by many.
  
  
• Marc Daniels
  Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 10:57:46
  
  I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Jim's family, department, and friends. He was a unique soul who inspired and motivated me in the early to mid 1970s.
  
  
• Jennifer Good
  Monday, January 26, 2009 at 10:32:22
  
  My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful teacher.  As a former M.A. student of his, I was touched by his authenticity and his drive to make things happen.  Never without a new "let's do it" idea, I'm sure that Jim's contributions to the Department, the University and the discipline will be quietly felt for generations.  
  Jennifer Good
  Baylor University
  
  
• Marvis Hass Dickinson
  Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 19:51:08
  
  I was very sad to hear of Jim's death.  His family was near and dear to my mother, Elizabeth Fishwild Hass.  I first met him as an undergrad and then had the pleasure of working with him during my graduate studies.  He was responsible for turning me onto technology in the foreign language classroom.  He was a great teacher, and I know that the U of I German department has lost a great professor.
  
  
• Lehmann Roland
  Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 13:22:24
  
  Lieber Dr. Pusack, wir waren sehr bestürzt, als wir in Deutschland die traurige Nachricht erfuhren, dass Du nicht mehr unter uns bist.
  Wir haben dich im Sommer kennen gelernt, Du warst für uns alle ein großes Vorbild, einmalig.
  Danke für die schönen Stunden, wir werden Dich nie vergessen.
  Wir trauern um Dich.
  Brigitte und Roland
  
  
• Randall Jones
  Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 12:08:51
  
  I last saw Jim in Orlando at ACTFL last November. I was so pleased to hear that he and Sue Otto were engaged to be married and I am now so sad that he has been taken from us. Our association goes back many years, before the existence of CALICO. We participated together on panels and committees and I always enjoyed and appreciated his brilliance and wit.
  
  Randall Jones
  Brigham Young University
  
  
• Ana Borderia
  Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 08:37:40
  
  I must apologize for taking so long to write here. I have no other excuse that having work to do (mostly tons of grading and appointments) and procrastinating on something that it's sad to do. But I did want to express my condolences here to those who loved Jim very much - as so many of you did- and especially to Sue.
  
  I did not know Jim as well as many as you did because I wan not in the FLARE program officially, and I have very impressed (and not so surpised) when I heard and read all his accopmplishments in life, but I still have a few memories to share.
  
  I did enjoy having Jim as a professor in the class he co-taught with Sue. He was always in good spirits, very personable and knowledgeable, and very passionate about the subject. He was an excellent professor. Sue and Jim made a great team as instructors, researchers, and colleagues, so there was no real surprise when they became also an item in a personal sphere. Every time they were together they looked so happy. Sue, you were very fortunate to find true love, and that is something that nobody can take away from you.
  
  As an "adopted child" of FLARE I enjoyed Jim's company in quite a few social events, most of the ones that I remember being at his lovely house where he entertained us with great food and stories. Jim was an integral part of FLARE and why this program has been so successful academically and so pleasant personally and professionally.
  
  His death means a great loss to all of us, to the FLARE program, and to the University of Iowa. My deepest sympathies to you all.
  
  
• Takako Nakakubo
  Monday, January 12, 2009 at 05:40:54
  
  Dear Jim,
  
  I knew what I think of you and wanted to share it with people around you, but it took me a while to write a message here. I felt like I'm giving you a final good-bye if I write something, and I didn't want to do that. But, as days go by after I heard about the sad news, I realize that you are still in our hearts, and writing you here is in no way saying good-bye. So, here goes my message to you, and I'd like to take this opportunity to say, "thank you."
  
  I respect you in so many ways as a lot of people do. You are definitely a pioneer in the SLA technology field and no doubt that you are a great teacher. But, what I respect you the most is that you are such a gentle, caring person. I clearly remember what you said (and I can actually picture you when you said it) at the FLARE party I attended for the first time 6 years ago. It was hosted at your house, and I brought Brian (my husband) to the party. We both had a great time, and I thanked you as we were getting ready to leave. You said, "thank you for bringing Brian. I want to make a FLARE party a true family party, so it's important that family members come to the party." If making a FLARE party a family party was your goal, you were surely very successful as everyone who has ever attended a FLARE party knows that the party is always full of laughs and good conversations among professors, students, family members, and friends, and you were certainly one of the key persons who created such a warm atmosphere with your wit and great dishes. It was not just at FLARE parties that you created family like feeling, but indeed you have contributed so much to make FLARE like a big extended family. I have no hesitation to say that every FLARE student, current and past, knows how much you cared about us and you made us feel that we are part of a family from the first day we joined FLARE. I hope you know how much it meant for us.
  
  Thank you for everything, Jim. You will be missed, but you will be always in our hearts.
  
  My sincere condolence to Sue, Betsy, and the rest of Jim's family.
   
  
• Amy VonCanon
  Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 17:42:37
  
  As this memorial site clearly shows us, Jim Pusack touched so many lives and losing him so suddenly has been devastating. It breaks my heart to have to come to terms with this loss. Thank you to FLARE for offering us a place where we can share with each other our thoughts and memories of him.
  
  Like others who've written below, I have countless happy memories of Jim as a professor and a friend during my six years in FLARE. Without a doubt, the most personally meaningful of them all was the incredible kindness and generosity he showed me during my last summer in Iowa City as I completed my dissertation. My (then) roommate, Anja Apitz, and I sub-leased our apartment to his daughter, Betsy, and her friend during their first summer home from college (Jim agreed to Betsy's wish for "independent living"...even if only a few miles away!). With Anja out of town for the summer and me without a home, Jim graciously offered me his while he was away on a month-long trip to Italy. He jokingly called it "the daughter swap"! For all of us who know Jim's house, this was a heavenly "trade up" in homes (of course, the legendary dining room table became my desk during those last weeks). When Jim returned from his trip, I had two weeks left before final deposit of my dissertation and my move to Denver. Almost immediately, he went into "caretaker mode"  cooking meals for me, constantly making me laugh, ensuring that I took breaks and got some fresh air, mentoring me on last-minute dissertation details (even though he wasn't on my committee)--even helping me pack all my belongings for my move. Anja put it perfectly when she said "This is how much Jim cared for his students. One could develop a professional as well as personal relationship with him."  I was (and still am) deeply touched by how much care and attention I received from him during that time. This kind of support from professors like Jim is what makes FLARE so truly special.
  
  I'll always remember you, Jim, for your incredible warmth and wit, and I'm so grateful to have had you as a professor and a friend.
  
  Much love to Sue and Betsy - you are in my thoughts and prayers.
  
  
• Professor: Masoud Hashemi
  Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 06:29:41
  
  I would like to express my heartiest condolence, may God bless his soul and bless. Thanks.
  
  
• David Pankratz
  Thursday, January 08, 2009 at 11:25:53
  
  I returned to work today and heard the news. These are my first keystrokes, to convey my sorrow about Jim's passing and send condolences to you, Sue, and to those who will miss him so personally. The number of people who have written here is a testimony to his largess and dedication to his profession. Jim did amazing work. For me personally, the PICS projects, specificallly the PICS Videoguidelines, co-authored by a group that included Jim and Sue, remains one of the best publications for teaching teachers how to effectively use media in the classroom. It's timeless, and a tribute to his skill and foresight. Thank you, Jim, and all who supported you.
  
  
• Joel Barkan
  Wednesday, January 07, 2009 at 15:01:56
  
  Jim's infectious enthusiasm will be deeply missed.  And before FLARE and FLARES there were Jim's contributions to the establishment of international studies at the University of Iowa.
  
  Jim was one of the early faculty who put "shoulder to the wheel" back in the early 80s to establish the Center for Comparative and International Studies, the precursor to the present International Programs.  He also served a term as the director of CICS in the late 80s.  These were critical contributions to establishing the legitimacy of international studies at the UI and are one of his lasting contributions.
  
  Joel D. Barkan
  Washington, DC
  
  
• Dick Schmidt
  Wednesday, January 07, 2009 at 12:09:44
  
  For many years Jim was a valued member of the national advisory board of the National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Hawaii.  He was a committed member of that board and we all valued his helpful and useful observations on our activities and programs nearly as much as his friendship and the good cheer he brought to meetings.  He will be greatly missed, and it really will not be the same to attend national conferences and not have the chance to see him and catch up with everything going on.  
  Aloha to all, Dick
  
  
• Joan Jamieson
  Wednesday, January 07, 2009 at 11:50:50
  
  I have admired the creative work of Jim & Sue for over 20 years, been proud of the recognition of their accomplishments, and been inspired as their partnership developed romantically. I have been entertained by Jim's gift of gab, and his interests in cooking and kayaking. And now, I am saddened by news of his death, yet confident that Jim's spirit will long be cherished by his friends, colleagues, family, and loves--Betsy and Sue.
  
  
• Harold Hendricks
  Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 23:25:44
  
  A true pioneer, teacher, friend and mentor has passed on to continue his work in a better place, while we who remain will miss his smile and his love.  When we all reconnected at the many conferences, it was like seeing family. You will always be in our hearts, Jim.  Thanks for all you did.  Sue, I join my love with all who knew you and Jim and hope comfort will come.
  
  
• Anja Apitz
  Tuesday, January 06, 2009 at 15:58:09
  
  My heart is broken and feel deep sorrow about Jim's sudden passing away. I cannot believe yet that it is time to say "Good bye". As I am writing this, my heart and thoughts are with Sue, Betsy, Jim's friends and the UI community.
  
  As many others, I have numerous fond memories of Jim and would like to share some of them with you. I will always remember Jim as this funny, humorous, and loving person who made me smile and brighten my day.
  
  I met Jim the very first day I arrived in Iowa in August 2003. He and Sue picked me up from the Cedar Rapids airport and he suggested to go on a furniture hunt for me as my arrival day was a big Iowa City garage sale weekend. I could not believe that I was going furniture shopping with my professors--something that would have been beyond my imagination in a German setting. We actually were very successful and I did not have to sleep on the floor in my very first night in Iowa City. This is how much Jim cared for his students. One could develop a professional as well as personal relationship with him.
  
  Jim was a great professor and he will remain an excellent role model in the profession. His passion, expertise, and devotion to language learning and technology impressed me when I took his and Sue's Multimedia course. I learnt so much from them. My love for technology developed to a deeper level and their support during my dissertation process was incredible.
  
  Jim's great sense of humor and witty comments were always present in my days as TA in the German department. Whenever I met him in the hallway, elevator or office I was wondering what joke he had up his sleeve. The outcome--with no exception--was a laughter.
  
  We dearly remember Jim as an exceptional host for many potluck parties. His legendary wooden table did not only serve many of our FLARE and German department parties but also as professional setting during my dissertation defense. Jim was so kind to offer his living room as defense location since the university was closed due to flooding. The highlight of that day was my defense party that Jim and Sue organized with so much love. My family (present from Germany) was greatly impressed and felt so welcome. We taught them how to make an American Hamburger and Jim joked about this every time I met him after my defense. Jim was clearly a very generous men. Thank you so much for doing this!
  
  My 'good bye lunch' with Jim and Sue before I left Iowa was wonderful and in my heart I felt how much these two meant to me, on a professional and personal level. I was very happy to have met Jim and Sue in Orlando. The last time, I could enjoy Jim's witty energy.
  
  Jim, thank you for everything, you will be missed a lot and I will keep your spirit in my heart.
  
  With deepest sympathy to Sue, Jim's family and friends,
  Anja