James Wolfe

Best teacher in the universe! Took several graduate level math classes with this amazing man. He memorized everyone's name after reading the roll in a 30+ class. I was near the end and my last name is the same as his...I had figured out what he was doing by the time he got to me and I was amazed! He just asked me if there was any relation and I grinned and said I didn't think so. We were not sitting in any order, he literally memorized each name from the roll sheet he'd left on his...

I had several conversations with Jim about many things including his visit to Las Vegas as a child and his surprise at its growth larger than SLC as it was a mud hole that trip that was what he remembered. He was very generous to friends family and neighbors. Just over a year ago we went to assure his friend that her furnace would work ok while she was away for Christmas.

He was truly a teacher without equal. What a joy it was to see him swoop through a door, plop his books on the desk, turn to the board, and write "Quiz". I took every class I could from him, and treasure the memories.

I will miss Uncle Jimmy. He was a caring man who wasn't afraid to tell me what he thought about anything, and his dry wit always made me laugh. He used to write letters outlining our family history and including funny comments. He loved sharing his knowledge, and had a great memory. I wish I had spent more time with him.

I posted this to Facebook:
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I was searching the obituaries today, and by sheer coincidence came across the obit of my old calculus professor, Dr. Wolfe. He was 96. I was just talking about him impliedly the other day when I noted he had given me a "B" in calculus, which astonished me at the time. And does now. He was one of my favorite professors ever, extremely dry humor that suited me perfectly. The first day of class, in about 1974, a gust of wind slammed the door, and...

Jim was a a very positive influence to all of us who joined the University of Utah Mathematics Faculty in the late 1960's. He was a valued colleague, researcher, and, as many can attest, a superior teacher, as well.

Klaus Schmitt
Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
University of Utah

A great influence in my career as a math teacher finally back in Salt Lake at the community college.

Dr. Wolfe was such a great man! He went out of his way to help me when I was a struggling student in his class at the U. With his help I made it through the class and onward. He was brilliant. May you rest in peace!