James Roper

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jim at the Spartan Debate Institute for many years!

On the anniversary of Jim's passing, I think that Jim's contributions to high school debate should be remembered, as a cofounder of the Spartan Debate Institute for high school students and the initiator of the Spartan Debate Invitational, also for high school students. Jim's legacy reached beyond the college level to touch the lives of young, intellectually oriented students throughout the country.

It was my pleasure and honor to work with Jim Roper as part of the first and subsequent Spartan Debate Institutes. From his debate brief on "wide angled refractive equilibrium" to his famous Megadeath T-shirt, Jim made an important mark on Michigan high school and college debate in the year's of his directorship of the MSU program. He was also a founder of the annual MSU Spartan Invitational Debate Tournament. Rest in peace, Jim and know that your legacy will be remembered.

We are so sorry for your loss. We are glad you were able to spend some extra time with your father the last few weeks. A contribution to the MSU debate team has been made in his honor from us.

I had Logic & Reasoning with Dr. Roper my freshman (year 98-99). My fondest memory of him was his use of the term "the upshot..." to end a discussion on a topic. Over the years, I've thought of him whenever I've heard this term. So, while this may be upshot of his life, his legacy lives on. My condolences to his family.

RIP Professor Roper.

It was an honor to know him, really enjoyed our conversations, a wonderful human being.

Though I knew Dr. Roper as a professor (Logic and Reasoning), my impression was formed more significantly through knowing Michelle. The powerful and positive influence of her father was clear, even all those years ago when we were suitemates during her freshman year at MSU. Dr. Roper will always have my admiration and respect; Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve.

Without a doubt Dr. Roper was my favorite professor. He spent well over an hour one night with me on the phone before a logic exam to help me understand a pattern of reasoning. I never forgot that turning point in my life. I have thought of him numerous times in the fifty years since that night he helped me with logic and taught me patience. Thanks Dr. Roper!