James Divine

Dr. James H. Divine
Evansville, Ind.
On September 14, 2015, the world lost a great teacher, father, and grandfather, Dr. James H. Divine, 69, of Evansville, Ind. His life and accomplishments will live on through his daughter, Emily R. Kasparov, son-in-law, Vladimir A. Kasparov; and two grandchildren, Victor James and Katherine Anna Kasparov, of Chicago, Ill. Jim was the oldest of five children born to Norma H. and James P. Divine of Terre Haute, Ind. His siblings, Jayne A. Nelson, Jackie J. Divine, Jan R. Divine, John A. Divine and half sister, Sonja R. Martin remember him as contemplative and disciplined as he dedicated his young adult years to completing years of education to obtain his doctorate degree.
Preceding him in death was the love of his life, his wife and high-school sweetheart, Judy A. (Smith), for whom he passed of a broken heart. His parents and brother, John A. Divine, have also passed away, far too young. He will be remembered with enduring love by the members of Judy's family, in whose hearts he will always remain.
Most know "Dr. Divine" as a favorite teacher, whether it was during his years teaching high school near Terre Haute, Ind., or as a university professor. He spent the last 25 years of his career as a professor of Education at the University of Southern Indiana, where he inspired many students with great stories, experiments, and the love of learning. Jim's understanding of, and fascination with, human psychology was shown not only in teaching, but in his desire to entertain groups of any size or age. He never missed an opportunity to bring smiles, whether it was by doing magic tricks for children, juggling, riding a unicycle, or training and coaching rats to play basketball. His greatest "experiment" as he called it, however, was homeschooling his daughter.
Jim's accomplishments also included several publications, drafting and designing and the enjoyment of working with wood. Jim's fine woodworking is displayed in the homes of many friends and family members - their smooth solidarity a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship he used in all realms of his life. Jim's grandchildren, the lights of his later life, will forever miss their dearest Grandpa Jim, as we will all miss his joking, yet sincere and heartfelt personality. May you finally be at peace and together again at last, Jim and Judy.
A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Granary, 413 Granary St. New Harmony, IN 47631, reception to follow. In memoriam, donations may be made to the USI Foundation, 8600 University Blvd Evansville, IN 47712 or online at www.usi.edu/giving. please include "James Divine" in the comment section for online giving or memo section of checks.
All arrangements are being handled by Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron, Evansville, Ind.