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James Perley
1939 - 2016
James Perley
1939 - 2016
Obituary
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James Perley Obituary
PORTLAND - James Perley, 77, passed away on March 30, 2016.
I was born in Hornell, N.Y. on Jan. 21, 1939, shortly after the birth of my twin sister Jackie and into a family including my other four sisters JoAnne, twins Nancy and Audrey and Martha. Their presence helped mold my personality. My parents were alcoholics and while the affliction passed me by, it affected my view of how life in a family could be so much better.
The decision to attend The University of Michigan (Biology - 1956-1960) expanded my understanding of diversity in our world and, after marrying Delene in 1960, led to entering a graduate program in Biology at Yale University (1960 to 1965, MS and Ph. D.). There followed an Assistant Professorship at Wayne State University (1965-1968), and then after the race riots in Detroit, Mich. a search for a more peaceful environment where teaching was valued. From then until 2001 I advanced through the ranks at the College of Wooster (Ohio) to Professor, eventually, honored by being named to the Danforth Chair of Biology in 1997.
During those years our sons Thomas (1967) and Scott (1969) were born and the family took year-long sabbaticals in New Zealand, Vancouver B.C., Davis Calif. and Berkeley, Calif.
While at the College of Wooster, I became very involved in activities of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), first in Ohio then nationally, serving as Chair of the Ohio Conference, Chair of the Assembly of State Conferences, and finally President of the AAUP (1994-1998). The accomplishments I am most proud of are the adoption of policy which allows faculty to see references written anonymously by external reviewers so they could respond to criticisms which had before been confidential, and the establishment of an Association Committee for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLTBQ) faculty where their concerns could be addressed. This achievement was recognized in 1997 by Senator Edward Kennedy, which was followed by my attendance at a White House Millennium ceremony with speakers Hillary Clinton and Stephen Hawking.
During my time at Wooster, I also served as a reader for Educational Testing Service in Biology, eventually becoming Chair of the Test Development Committee.
After being appointed Dean of Arts and Sciences at Millikin University in Illinois and quadruple bypass, we chose to retire in Maine in 2003. Retirement has meant a lot of volunteer involvement, including chairing the Social Action Committee at Allen Avenue UU church in Portland, work at the Tate House Museum (gardening and Chair of the Board), working at Project FEED, a food pantry, where I served as volunteer and Chair of the Board and Delene managed the pantry, and service on the Board of Maine AllCare non-profit, working to bring Medicare for all Maine Citizens.
On a personal note, during these years I have enjoyed a loving, growing family. Scott married Laurel in 2004 and now we also have two lively grandchildren, Nora born in 2006 and Nathan born in 2009. Visits between their home in Philadelphia and ours here in Maine bring us closer together. As I contemplate the approach of the end of my life, I want Scott and Tom to know how very much I love them.
Maine is a very special place and it has been a joy to live here. Hopefully what I leave behind will inspire others to work for justice for all and a desire to help others.
Cremation arrangements have been made at Coastal Cremations in Portland. The family will spread ashes privately this summer at Jim's chosen place along the shore. A memorial service in celebration of Jim's life is planned for April 23, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in my memory to:
Project FEED
202 Woodford Street
Portland, Maine 04103
(http://www.projectfeed.org) or:
Maine AllCare
(http://www.MaineAllCare.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Derbyshire
March 28, 2023
Despite being a non science major at Wooster, Dr. Perley was my academic mentor and is responsible for developing my confidence as a student. This confidence led me to get my MSW and a 45 year career as a school and community social worker. Thank You Dr. Perley!
Nancy Shadd
February 22, 2019
Dear Family of James Perley- I only recently discovered his passing, and while I didn't know him personally I knew his sister Jackie Perley here in Rochester NY through our mutual docent work at the Nat'l Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, and our mutual home town and High school of Hornell NY. In fact James and Jacky were in my brothers class at HHS.
Jackie has not been a volunteer at NSBAMH since 2016 that difficult year for her and family when brother James passed on. I have not been able to contact her as the phone and email I have and the House has are not viable.
I would Very much like to know how Jackie is and only hope it is positive. If she is in the Rochester area, I would reach out to her.
If any of the family receive this message I would greatly appreciate hearing from you about Jackie and your letting her know I am thinking of her and would love to reconnect. thank you so much.
My sincere sympathy at the loss of your family member, James Perley.
Nancy G.Shadd
[email protected]
Andrea Peoples-Marwah
June 6, 2016
Dr. Perley was my Professor at The College of Wooster - Biosynthesis and Metabolism as well as my Advisor (I graduated in 1995). He not encouraged me to keep my focus but he also continued to inspire me to go on and earn my Doctorate. We stayed connected throughout the years as well as on LinkedIn. It was wonderful seeing how he lived his life fully with always helping others before himself. He was a gentle soul and a kindred spirit. I am just finding out about his loss and my heart sinks. Please know that I will forever remember Dr. Perley as such the wonderful and inspirational Professor. May God bless you and keep you all. He has earned another jewel in His crown.
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Natalie Richardson
April 11, 2016
Dear Mrs. Perley, Tom, Scott and family,
The Flessel family is so sad to hear of Mr. Perley's passing. We have so many nice memories of our families spending Christmases together. Mr. Perley always answered the door saying "Merry Christmas!" I remember Aunt Jackie joining us several times. I also remember Mr. Perley making buche de noel for dessert and how impressive it was. We enjoyed seeing the slides from his sabbatical trips.
What a wonderful photo! It was enjoyable to read about his successful, productive life.
Our thoughts have been with all of you. May it help you to find comfort knowing how your husband/dad/grandfather/brother positively touched the lives of many.
The Flessel and Richardson families
Bill Derbyshire
April 11, 2016
My thoughts go out to Dr. Perley's family. He was my favorite professor although I only had him for freshman colloquium he was always honest with me about my academic work which required a great deal of work and assistance - BUT because of Dr. Perley's critique and support I learned I could meet the grade at COW. I will always remember him fondly.
Bill Derbyshire, '75
April 10, 2016
Farewell Dr. Perley. Many thanks for the wonderful Wooster memories. You can rest in peace knowing that the footprints you left behind will be followed by many to make this a just and caring world for this and future generations.
My deepest condolences to your family.
Maqsood A. Chotani
Class of 1988 (Biology)
College of Wooster
Eric Hicks
April 8, 2016
One of the reasons I'd "do it all over again" and spend my college years at Wooster is because Dr. Perley was there.
I was fortunate to have him as a professor in Introductory Biology, Botany, and Biochemistry. I was honored that he agreed to be my Independent Study adviser. He helped make my I.S. one of the best educational experiences I have ever had.
Here are things that I learned from him that I will never forget:
(1) Keep your work in your office, don't bring it home
(2) When in doubt, do more research
(3) Understand...don't just regurgitate
(4) Governmentsall institutions for that matterneed to care and support ALL of their people.
(5) There are many reasons to learn about a subject. One is that it makes conversation with you more interesting.
(6) Give opera a chance. (He always had some opera playing in his office when I'd arrive for help).
(7) Administrators aren't always rightthey walk on two legs tooand they need to be reminded of that.
(8) There is more on this earth than just animals. Plants and fungi are interesting too.
(9) When doing dissections, a probe is your best friend.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Perley, the teacher, was his desire to always be fair. Because he was always fair, it was easy for me to point blame at myself for any sub-par performances that I had.
As a person, I admired the way he advocated for those who couldn't easily advocate for themselves.
Cheryl Cuglewski
April 7, 2016
What an amazing professor and man ~ I will never forget how much I enjoyed learning from him. Dr. Perley's commitment to his students and making this world a better place was incredible. My deep sympathy to his family.
Robert Simmonds
April 7, 2016
Wonderful man, wonderful teacher. Could not have had a better I.S. advisor. His door was always open, ready and eager to dole out wisdom and advice. He leaves the world a better place.
Pandy Shumar
April 7, 2016
I am a 1972 grad of THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER. Dr. Perley was a brillant and kind man. He was my biology professor at Wooster. In 1970, I was in a class with pre-meds which was way over my head. As hard as I tried, I couldn't "get it" at all and knew I failed more tests than I ever passed ( if I passed any at all). He did try to help me though. At the end of the semester, Dr. Perley told us if we gave him a self-addressed stamped card, he would mail our grade to us before the transcripts came out. On the card, I wrote to him "Please be kind". Soon after, I receive the card in the mail with a D .... with his response to my request which said , " I was". I smiled then and I still often think of it with a smile, because I knew he was indeed kind with that grade. There really aren't many professors I remember, but Dr. Perley is one of them.
You all have my deepest sympathy.
Heather (Keller) Jones
April 7, 2016
My condolences. Dr. Perley was a favorite professor while at The College of Wooster.
Elizabeth Browne
April 7, 2016
Jim Perley was a very inspiring teacher. He had a lasting effect on the way I see the learning process, cells, plants, and life itself. At the College of Wooster it was a joy and a thought instigating experience to be in his classes.
With fond memories, my love to his family.
Connie Brumm
April 7, 2016
James Perley was my major professor at Wooster. He taught me about life and social justice and greatly shaped the adult that I became. I have always been grateful for his wisdom and guidance, which was amazing for a young man in his early 30's at the time. I am grateful to read his obituary and to know that his life continued to be so full and committed to the world he lived in.
Sue Appleton
April 7, 2016
God Bless
Sue Appleton
April 6, 2016
I have fond memories of Professor Perley from when I was an undergrad at Wooster in the 1980's. He always had the NYTimes with him. He was a great guy. He'll be missed.
Sue Appleton
April 6, 2016
Dr. Perley, I have always remembered from my College of Wooster Days. His love of Biology and his belief in me, helped shape my path!
Keith Steigbigel,PT,DPT '92 COW
Jill Gregory
April 6, 2016
Jim was my professor for First Year Seminar at Wooster in 1991, and for several classes as I pursued my biology major. His guidance, especially during my first year, but also throughout my time at Wooster, helped shape my educational and personal paths. I have always remembered him fondly, am very saddened to hear of his death. Though I admit, I'm delighted that he wrote his own obituary! My thoughts are with his family during this time of sadness.
Laurel Danes-webb
April 6, 2016
I have wonderful memories of working as a TA for Dr. Perley at Colllege of Wooster. He was a mentor and friend. Memories of sitting on the classroom floor discussing topics of interest as well as going to his home for dinner. Lifting his family in my thoughts. He will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Glen Rainsley
April 6, 2016
I remember Jim as a young faculty member during my final couple years at Wooster. I'm pleased that he so much appreciated Maine, the state where I have lived many years. Glen E. Rainsley
Margot Watson
April 6, 2016
I was a premed student at the College of Wooster from 1980-1983 (now a physician for 25 years). Dr. Perley was so caring and compassionate and such a terrific teacher. One of the best I have ever had. I still remember not doing well on a biochemistry test and the frowny sad face he put on my paper! Of course, he made sure I did better the next time.
Chris Housmekerides
April 6, 2016
I am sorry to hear that Jim passed away; Jim was one of the first Profs I met when I arrived in the States in 1984 to study in the College of Wooster; I am greatful for his guidance during these early years of my career, and I will always remember him as an passionate individual who loved his job; God bless him.
April 6, 2016
Dear Perley Family -
I received my B.S. in Biology from the College of Wooster in 1977. Dr. Perley served as my IS chair. I went on to earn my Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology at The Ohio State University. I am completing my 33rd year of teaching at California State University, Fullerton. I appreciate everything that Dr. Perley and the College of Wooster did in preparing me so well for my life in academia. You have my sincerest condolences on his passing.
William Beam, Ph.D.
April 6, 2016
I am a '91 Wooster grad and, although I never had Dr. Perley as a professor, I remember seeing him on campus. I'm touched by his obituary, written with such honesty. It seems that he lived his life fully and raised a loving family. The world was a better place for him being in it.
Sharon M.
Vermont
Nat McCoy
April 6, 2016
Jim was a dear friend, champion for many and a great guy. He will be missed by many. - Nat McCoy COW
Emily Stowe
April 6, 2016
I was lucky enough to be a student of Dr. Perley's at Wooster. He was a tough professor with high expectations who helped put me on my path to being a biology professor. He was a great mentor.
Keetjie Ramo
April 5, 2016
I had the honor and fun of knowing Jim when I became active in the American Association of University Professors. His contributions to academia, to the Association, and to the numerous causes he was involved in attest to the measure of the man. There aren't many like him.
Greg Scholtz
April 5, 2016
Sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I got to know him through the AAUP when he was chair of the Assembly of State Conferences and then president. He was my first teacher in all things AAUP, and a very effective one. He also gave generously of his time and wisdom when my colleagues at Wartburg College and I needed help. As president, he kindly appointed me to a national committee, which led to my further involvement and eventually to my becoming a member of the AAUP's staff.
Diane Uber
April 3, 2016
I will always remember our fascinating conversations at "the coffee table" in Wooster, which contributed immensely to orienting myself as a faculty member. He was a good friend who always followed through on his convictions.
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