In Loving Memory of James Donald Quisenberry (1935 - 2007)

James D. "Jim" Quisenberry passed away on Friday, August 10, 2007 at the Meadowbrook Center at Clark-Lindsey Village where he had been convalescing after a stroke he suffered in April of 2006. He died peacefully during an afternoon rest.

Jim was born in rural Boone County, Indiana, to William Donald "Bill" Quisenberry and Mary Florence (McNutt) Quisenberry on June 8, 1935. His wife, Nancy Lou (Forbes) Quisenberry and both of his parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his son James P. Quisenberry, his daughter-in-law Jill M. (Rogers) Quisenberry and his grandson James William "Will" Quisenberry. An infant son, Curt Franklin Quisenberry also preceded him in death. His brother, Morris Quisenberry of Indianapolis, and three sisters, Joy Bayless of Crawfordsville, Indiana, Nancy Moore of Waynetown, Indiana and Janet Quisenberry of Crawfordsville, Indiana also survive.

Jim attended high school in Alamo and Crawfordsville, Indiana, and graduated in 1953. He joined the Army and served from 1955-1958, including tours of duty in Germany and Vietnam. He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute and obtained an AB (1961) and a MA (1962) in English Education. While at Terre Haute he met Nancy Quisenberry and they were married in Washington, Indiana, on February 6, 1960. Their first son, Curt Franklin Quisenberry was born in June 1962, but died three days after birth.

While residing in Speedway, Indiana, Jim taught Language Arts for two years at Speedway High School. He and Nancy lived in Germany for a year where they worked at the American Dependents School in Baumholder. When they returned to Indiana, their second son, James Paul Quisenberry was born on August 22, 1965. Jim continued to teach High School through May 1967 and worked summers as a naturalist at Brown County State Park.

Nancy and Jim relocated to Bloomington, Indiana, where they both pursued doctoral degrees at Indiana University. Jim received his Ph. D. in English Education & Linguistics in 1972.

Jim joined the faculty of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale as an assistant professor for Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education in 1971. He taught Language Arts and Children's Literature for 15 years. He also spent several years supervising student teachers in Carbondale. He served on over 110 degree candidate committees, chairing for 10 Master's candidates and 19 Ph. D. candidates. His students have gone on to serve the cause of education throughout the world. He published two books as editor, contributed 5 chapters to additional books and refereed many journal articles and book reviews in various professional journals.

In 1989, Jim took the position of Director of International Programs and Services. He served with distinction, receiving multiple recognitions from international student organizations. He retired from SIU-C in 1995.

Jim was devoted to education both locally and internationally. For his contributions to the Carbondale Elementary District 95 he was inducted to their Hall of Fame in 2001. He was active in Phi Delta Kappa and served as chapter president in 1979. He received the International Distinguished Service Award in 1994 for his support of international education at SIU-C. He was active in the Association for Childhood Education International, the International Council on Education for Teaching, and the Mid America Universities International, where he served as Secretary. MAUI honored him with their International Distinguished Service Award in 1995.

In Carbondale, his interests outside of the workplace included his church, public service and the development of downtown Carbondale. He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist where he served in many capacities, including First Reader. He joined the Carbondale Rotary Club in 1974 and served as president of that club in 1979. He served with the Carbondale Business Development Corporation for 5 years and later the Carbondale Main Street Program for 5 years.

Jim managed to mix leadership skills with his favorite vacation location, serving on the Association of Apartment Owners at the Cliffs Resort on the island of Kauai. The Cliffs Resort was Jim and Nancy's home away from home and for many years they spent 3 months or more out of the year on Kauai's north shore.

After years in Carbondale, Nancy and Jim relocated to Urbana, Illinois, in 2002 to be near their son and daughter-in-law with hopes of grandchildren. Jim soon joined the Urbana Rotary and resumed his interest in learning to fly eventually achieving his lifelong ambition of owning a plane in 2006. In January of 2003 Jim was elated with the arrival of "little Will." He spent every moment he could being a grandfather and he was happiest playing Hawaiian slack key guitar for his grandson. Will's almost daily visits helped him through his long road of recovery from his stroke.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 17 at 2 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, IL. Visitors will be received starting at 1 p.m. Arrangements for a private burial service in Indiana are pending. A memorial service in Carbondale is also pending.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to the Urbana Rotary Club Charities or the James D. and Nancy L. Quisenberry Scholarship through the Southern Illinois University Foundation.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.