James Lee Guernsey

1922-2009
In Memoriam
James Lee Guernsey joined Indiana State University's geography facility in 1955. He completed his bachelor's of science from Indiana State Teachers College in 1947. He earned a master's of arts (geography) from Indiana University in 1948, and earned his doctorate (geography) from Northwestern University in 1953. After teaching at the University of Louisville (1953-1955), he joined the faculty at Indiana State University, where he taught in the Department of Geography and Geology from 1955-1988.
His teaching specialties included surface mining reclamation, natural resources, land use, conservation, and meteorology. He taught more than 5,000 students during his years at Indiana State University and was very active in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Lee Guernsey served as chairperson in 23 completed theses and dissertations in research areas in which he had national recognition.
Dr. Guernsey's favorite research areas focused on surface coal mine reclamation, land use, planning and urban development in Indiana, where he acquired grants for ISU from agencies and companies that included the Indiana Department of National Resources, Amax Coal, Indiana State Planning Service Agency and the Vigo County Planning Department. Grants acquired by Lee Guernsey for ISU from research partners outside of Indiana included Argonne National Lab and the U.S. Department of Interior-Surface Mining Program. During his career, Lee acquired 24 major grants for ISU totaling more than $1,200,000.
Guernsey was a nationally recognized scholar through his books, articles, research grants, consulting, and presentations. He had five major books published with various authors that include "Our Physical Environment", "Principles of Geography", "Principles of Physical Geography", "Conserving American Resources", and "Introduction to Economic Geography". Most of these books had two editions. He published more than 90 professional articles, book chapters, and monographs in his long career. More than 100 professional presentations at local, state, and national meetings were given. He was a two-term president of the Indiana Planning Association (1974 and 1975).
Lee served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force (1943-1945). He was an avid pilot and local softball player for much of his days at ISU. Upon retirement in 1988, as Emeritus Professor, the Guernsey's retired to the vacation home they acquired in 1971 on St. George Island, Fla. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 63 years (Ruth); his son Ernest; and daughter, Carol; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
ISU Recognition Letter
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Faculty Senate of Indiana State University expresses to his family its sincere sympathy and condolences, and that it further expresses its appreciation for the service, care, and dedication which he gave to his students, the Department of Geography and Geology, and the University.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this testimonial be placed in the minutes of the Faculty Senate and that a copy be transmitted to his family.
C. Russell Stafford, Chairperson and Professor of Anthropology on behalf of the Department of Geography, Geology and Anthropology
A memorial reception to honor Dr. James Lee Guernsey will be held today, May 2, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the 9th floor University Suite Lounge, Hulman Memorial Student Union. All colleagues and friends of the family are invited. Dr. Guernsey's wife, Ruth; son, Ernie and wife Stefanie of Tampa, Fla., daughter, Carol and husband Bruce Bate of Hartwell, Ga.; and his sister Mary and husband Virgil Basham of Corvallis, Ore., will be in attendance. The family is hosting this reception to share memories with as many friends as possible while visiting Indiana.
The family has a rich history of life in Terre Haute. Ruth taught in Vigo County Schools; the Cooperative Nursery Schools; A.L.L. High School; and Bible Study Fellowship Children's Program. Their children, Ernie and Carol grew up in Terre Haute, attending Davis Park, Woodrow Wilson and graduating from South Vigo High School (1972 and 1973). Ernie was active in many sports teams while Carol was active in tennis competitions. The family belonged to the First Congregational Church.