We feel so sad to have just learned of Jim's passing from this earth.
We had the pleasure to know Jim through the Chatham Health Club and via our friendship with him and Peg. What we will choose to remember is Jim's zest for life, his deep commitment to his work while in education, his family and his integrity to his friends. We shared some nice times in Florida and Chatham and will miss seeing him. We send blessings of peace and light to all those who knew Jim.

I am very sorry to have heard about your Dad's passing. We have never met but my father Tom Eagan and your Dad were first cousins. I have only seen him a handful of times over the years and he was always so genuine and a true gentleman. My prayers go out to all of you.
Nancy Eagan O'Callaghan

I want to extend my deepest sympathies on the death of your father. I am the daughter of Louise Egan Donovan, who was the sister of your grandmother. My mom, who passed away 12 years ago, always spoke so very fondly of your father. If you would like to reconnect, I can be reached at stasia.Kelly@dlapiper.com. Again, my deepest sympathies.
Stasia Donovan Kelly.

Barbara and I, along with the entire Sloane Family would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Dr. James Amsler. Jim and Frances were our dear friends. Jim served as a Director of Century Bank during its formative years. We valued his advice and counsel, as well as his vast knowledge of the State’s college system. And he was so very proud of his naval career. After his retirement from our Board, whenever the Bank had a function, we could always count on Jim to attend. He taught me a great deal, not only about business relationships, but also about human nature. I think he respected me and my knowledge of the banking industry as well, because he proposed me for an Honorary Degree at Salem State College, which I received in 1988, and for which I am eternally grateful. Jim will be sorely missed; however, the legacy of fine service he provided to the community and academia will long be remembered.
Marshall M. Sloane
Chairman of the Board
Century Bank, Medford, MA

Although I missed the experience of meeting President Amsler, I often heard stories of his remarkable leadership while I was a student at NASC/MCLA during 1995-1999. I was a proud tour guide and as we walked through the Amsler Campus Center, I would brief the prospective students and families on his great efforts.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those who had the honor of knowing President Amsler. God Bless.
Laura-Jean (Griffin) Hickey '99

Please accept my condolences for your father. I worked very closely with him at Salem State College, as he was president and I was founder of the Criminal Justice program. As a fledgeling program it was Dr Amsler who encouraged the program and myself. That program is now 600 hundred students strong with 9 PhD teachers in large part due to your father. I wanted you to know this accolade. Professor Ed LeClair

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Amsler Family at this difficult time. Your Dad was a kind and caring person and many have lovely memories of him - Both he and your Mother were so very caring when my husband, Charles, (who worked alongside Jim at Salem State for many years) died and I shall ever remember them with great fondness. They were both good friends of ours and I for one shall miss them. Know your memories of both of them will help you through your sadness. Sincerely, Lois Kiefer

Over the past ten years, my husband and I have been privileged to know Jim as a treasured friend, and we will greatly miss his delightful company. His intelligence and energy enlivened many a discussion at our dinner table in Chatham. We loved and admired him, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family and many other friends.

Jimmy....we will miss ya!
Our good friend! our unparalled leader, he was always the guy that got things done. Thanks Jim for all of your valued skills as the Educator! We always knew later, that we could catch you at a Chatham game during the CCBL season.Our collective regrets to your many family members......Good sailing, and following seas...our favorite sailor!
Fondly, Ann an Jack Aylmer, Mass Maritime Academy

Dr. Amsler arrived at NASC the same year I began my undergraduate experience there. I found him to be totally approachable, genuinely concerned about student matters, and dedicated to improving the school in every area.
As he handed me my diploma four years later, he thanked me for my service and called me by name. I wonder how often that happens today!!
God Bless!

Peter Vangsness
Class of 1973

I am a 1979 graduate of North Adams State College. The career path I enjoy today was shaped in large part by Dr. Amsler. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Deborah A. Butler, Esquire

I was an undergraduate student from '68 to '72 at North Adams State, so I remember Dr. Amsler very well. I was also fortunate to take an education class taught by him in my senior year. He was always very professional and at the same time, charming. My prayers and thoughts go out to his loved ones. Jacqueline Paquette Demastrie, Adams, Ma

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

Dr. James T. Amsler was a remarkable man, an articulate advocate for public higher education, and a fine University/College President. I know. I was his Academic Vice President for his entire tenure at Salem State, and I stepped in as Acting President when Jim took a well-deserved sabbatical year. When I became Acting VP, I had relatively little experience as an academic administrator. Jim was a patient mentor who taught me a great deal. Jim chose his staff very carefully, and placed great confidence in his selections. Although he made it clear that he was the President, he gave his VPs wide latitude to run their areas. I met with him once or twice a week for 10 years. He seldom overruled one of my recommendations, but he asked a lot of intelligent questions. His standing instructions to me were to develop a faculty and curriculum that would allow Salem State to become a University. He was instrumental in the growth of Salem State from a former Normal School with a few programs besides Education, into a complex institution, divided into Schools, and offering a broad range of educational opportunities on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He also began the expansion of the physical plant at Salem State. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jim, and my wife and I enjoyed our social times together with Jim and Frances. We both offer his condolences to his family. We believe they should be proud of all Jim accomplished, and of the thousands of students he affected positively.
William E. Mahaney, Ph.D.
Professor of English, Emeritus
Former AVP under Jim Amsler