James F. Findlay Jr.

James F. Findlay, Jr.

James F. Findlay, Jr. passed away on August 17, 2024, at the age of 93. He was the loving husband of Doris W. Findlay (d. 2020) for 65 years; the father of Peter (d. 1983) as well as Eileen and James D. Findlay; and the grandfather of Amaya and Lucas Surez-Findlay.

James Findlay grew up in Springfield MO. A proud Midwesterner, James earned his BA at Drury College, his MA at Washington U in Saint Louis MO - where he met and married Doris - and his PhD in U.S. History at Northwestern U in Evanston, IL. He published many scholarly articles and two Pulitzer Prize-nominated historical monographs: Dwight L.Moody: American Evangelist, 1837-1899 and Church People in the Struggle: The National Council of Churches and the Black Freedom Struggle

James and Doris built their family and James' initial career at Depauw University in Greencastle, IN, where they worked together for racial equality, voting rights, and

educational equity.

In 1970, they moved to RI, where Jim taught in the History Department at URI until his retirement in 2000. Together with his beloved wife, James Findlay was a devoted member of Kingston Congregational Church and worked to advance a plethora of social justice causes across Rhode Island: Anti-nuclear activism, free public health services, racial justice, reproductive rights, voting rights, support for public education at all levels, hospice care, public housing, community gardening, environmental protection, and support for immigrant and low-income families.

James was a lover of books, music, and food and was an unfailingly supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His expansive laugh, inquiring mind, and dedication to democracy will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at Kingston Congregational Church in the coming months.