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James G. Seckler Ph.D.
1943 - 2011
James G. Seckler Ph.D.
1943 - 2011
Obituary
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James Seckler Obituary
Surviving are his wife Sherry of Peoria, IL, his sons James R. Seckler of Brooklyn, NY and John S. Seckler of Jersey City, NJ, his sister Cindy (Dan) Marler of CA, his brother Ronald (Carol) Seckler of Sparks, NV, and two nephews Matthew Marler and Jarrod Seckler.
Jim attended Stanford University on a baseball scholarship and received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1965. He was awarded graduate degrees in Master and Doctorate of Science in Civil Engineering in 1967 and 1970 (respectively) from New Mexico State University – with a specialty in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. He received academic honoraries from Sigma Xi (Research), Phi Kappa Phi (Academic), Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering Academic) and Tau Beta Pi (Engineering) for his graduate work at New Mexico State University.
Following his graduate work at New Mexico State, Jim participated in the NASA/ASEE Summer Systems Design Institute at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. Jim also was awarded a Ford Foundation/ASEE Resident Faculty fellowship allowing him to work as a hydraulic engineer in private industry with Gilbert and Associates in Reading, PA from 1972-73.
Jim was an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Bradley University with teaching concentrations in Fluid Mechanics, Water Hydrology and Environmental Engineering. He was passionate about teaching young people at all levels of the college experience which is evidenced by his receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award in 1989, 1992, 2001 and 2009 – based on student evaluations. Jim also served as the Associate Dean to the College of Engineering from 1991 through 1997. His tenure spanned 41 years of service to Bradley and the student community culminating with his retirement in May of this year.
His dedication to his students and their success extended to other areas within Bradley University. Jim served on several important committees within the University but his favorite experiences were those that dealt directly with his students such as serving as the Departmental representative to the College Academic Policy; helping to establish the Global Explorer Program which allowed students to study Engineering abroad including Denmark, England, and Egypt; serving as Faculty Advisor to Chi Epsilon which was responsible for the design and construction of local area children's playgrounds such as the current one at Glen Oak Park; and working with the Bridge-Pal Committee which ran a bridge design and construction competition for high-school students.
Jim was a member of the following scientific and professional societies – American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Engineering Education, National Society of Professional Engineers and the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.
Additionally, Jim's expertise in his field was highly sought after by private industry. Over the past 40 years, he provided consulting services to local area firms such as Associated Engineers, Inc., Caterpillar Tractor Company, A. and H. Engineering, Randolph and Associates, Inc., Forest Park Foundation, and Wildlife Prairie Park; the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago; as well as litigation services to multiple local area Attorneys.
To memorialize Dr. Seckler's contributions to his students and the university community, Bradley University's Civil Engineering and Construction Department has established the Dr. James G. Seckler Scholarship fund to be awarded annually with preference given to students historically under-represented in Civil Engineering.
His family encourages those wishing to extend their condolences to send a contribution in the name of Bradley University (with reference to this scholarship) to the following address:
c/o Amir W. Al-Khafaji, Ph.D., M. ASCE
Department of Civil Engineering & Construction
Jobst 206
1501 West Bradley Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61625
Cremation rites will be accorded. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online tributes and condolences may be left at www.Davison-Fulton.com.
His family will be hosting an informal open house and reception on Sunday, October 9th from 3-5pm at his home at 924 NE Glen Oak, Peoria, Illinois.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve Vock
November 2, 2011
I just heard of our loss after telling a Bradley representative that Dr. Seckler was my favorite professor. In fact, I thought about following him into the teaching profession until I realized I needed an income. See... I wanted to be like Jim. Many memories remain... Many classes. Lots of laughter. Tons of knowledge. Real concern for me. Seeing Jim at various running events after graduation. Jim showing up at my graduation party with a 12-pack and sitting around talking with my parents forever is probably the fondest. Jim was a good man and he'll be missed. I pray that Jim's family and friends remember him fondly and are aware of God's comforting presence.
Wes Welsh
October 21, 2011
I was a student in many of Dr. Seckler's classes in the mid-1970's. He expected a lot of his students but his expectations were designed to extract the best from each student. I remember being one of only four students in a hydrology class and in an advanced hydraulics class. Given the small number of students the university would not officially offer these classes but Jim volunteered to teach them on his own time and made it happen. He made those classes an amazing learning experience by challenging us endlessly and having us solve problems indivdually and in teams. We would present our solutions to the class while Jim observed, advised, and occassionally laughed. We learned so much more than just problem solving in those classes - we learned skills that would prove valuable in the real world. An additional benefit was that Jim made it fun. His example was a positive motivating factor for many of his students. My condolences to the Seckler family.
Ed Schanzle
October 21, 2011
Dr. Seckler was the faculty adviser for the Student Chapter of ASCE when I was a Bradley student in the 1970's. He took a personal interest in us and encouraged us to do our best. One chilly fall day, we had a car wash to raise money for the Student Chapter and Dr. Seckler suggested we have it in front of his house on Parkside. I can still remember his little boys carrying our drying towels back and forth to the house so Sherry could run them in the dryer.
He had a reputation as a tough professor, but his goal was always to help us understand the subject so we could apply it in the real world. Jim's memory and his influence will live on in the many students he taught and mentored.
Rick Lemke
October 19, 2011
My condolences to the Seckler family. Jim was an outstanding professor, and certainly influenced me more than any other instructor in my lifetime. He had that rare ability to connect textbook with real life. He will be missed. Rick Lemke BSCE Bradley '76
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Robert Evetts
October 16, 2011
Jim's comittment to family, education and the engineering profession established the highest level level of targeted achievement for us all and he touched many of us "lost soul undergraduates on campus" at New Mexico State University with his willingness to help! He makes me very proud to be a part of the Civil Engineering Profession!
Robert Evetts(Tucumcari, NM) NMSU Civil Engineering Acadamy '69
Edward Taiwo
October 15, 2011
Dr. Seckler was the 'gateway and exit way' to the Civil Engineering department at Bradley University. Since I met him when I was seeking admission to study Civil Engineering until I earned my degree, he was there all the way through. From Structural Dynamics to Fluid Mechanics and utilmately Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering courses I took with him , he gave so much of himself.
Rest In Peace, Adieu.
Edward Taiwo, Peoria, IL.
Mary Winkler
October 14, 2011
Sherry, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Ernie Stephens
October 13, 2011
It was an honor to have studied under Dr. Seckler. I will always remember surveying in the Bradley Quad with him. His humor and quick wits were always a welcome site, especially when dealing with engineering topics. May his legacy live on throughout those he taught.
Karen Emanuel Miller
October 12, 2011
Dear Sherry, Jim and John,
I am so sorry for you loss. I have many years of memories of Jim. From seeing him with my dad as they ran together through the neighborhood over lunch, to seeing him at your home when I came for my piano lessons, to having him teach my Fluids class - all good memories. May God's love surround you during this difficult time.
Norma Henry
October 10, 2011
Jim and Seckler Family. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you. Hold on to the memories, they can help to get you through this difficult time. Peace and healing is wished for you. Blessings
Lisa Ercoli
October 10, 2011
Jim, my thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Your Dad was a great man and I know that you will truly miss him. May God bless you and keep you in your time of need and forever.
Anna-Carin Rooney
October 10, 2011
My sincere sympathies to the Seckler family, especially my friend Jim Jr. You are in my prayers.
Lisa Johnson Lucht '03
October 9, 2011
Dr. Seckler was truly a great professor and mentor to many Civil Engineering students at Bradley. I'll always remember the cold January session I attended in Denmark studying Hydraulics. Bradley has lost an incredible instructor, however with the many students that learned from him, his expertise will live on for many years to come. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Mary Ann Fahey
October 8, 2011
God's blessings on you all during this most difficult rite of passage Sherry. I only knew Jim a little...he loved my cream puffs! Wrapping you all in hugs and prayers...
Megan Rada-Wagner
October 8, 2011
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Seckler. He was an outstanding professor and wonderful role model and mentor! When I think of Bradley University Civil Engineering, Dr. Seckler comes to mind immediately! He was such a great asset to BU! He was the first professor I had in an engineering course and the last one, with other classes in between. He really is the reason I am a civil engineer today!! My deepest sympathy to his entire family, but I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that he touched so many lives in such a positive way. Thank you Dr. Seckler for your dedication and belief in your students...may you rest in peace!
Paul Augspurger
October 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to his family. Dr. Seckler was a class act and one of the best professors I had while attending Bradley University. He will be missed.
October 8, 2011
To Sherry, friend and musical colleague, I wish you hope and peace during this time of bereavement. Jim's reputation was deep and wide, and am confident that God's love for him is deeper still. Blessings, Sherry.
Chris Parr and Family
October 8, 2011
John,
So sorry to hear about your dad. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris Parr
Ghulam Zahid
October 8, 2011
I met Dr. Seckler few years as I started teaching at Bradley part time. He was laways humble and ready to help. He will be missed at Bradley by all the people he touched. My sympathies go to his family.
Dr. Zahid
Dave Maurer
October 8, 2011
Sherry and the Family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. This is a loss to so many people who have had contact with Jim over a lot of years. Bradley University Civil Engineering will never be the same. It has to be 30 years that I've known Jim. It'll take awhile for this shocking news to settle in. He'll be remembered by me for a long time. Dave Maurer
Kristen and Matt Meyers
October 7, 2011
Dr. Seckler was a wonderful professor and he will truly be missed. He made going to class fun and we know thats hard to do in engineering. When we think of Bradley engineering, we think of Dr. Seckler.
October 7, 2011
John, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jamie Hartwig (PHS)
Randall E. Siemon, P.E.
October 7, 2011
To the Family of Dr Seckler, He was a great professor, engineer and man. In the late 70's he told stories of his sons and their various stunts in the big house near Bradley Park. I was glad to have been in his classes. He helped me to become a better engineer.
Mike Haller
October 7, 2011
Dear Sherry and Family. I only knew Jim a little bit, from his attendance at mainly Organ related activities in the Peoria area, and while cooking at the annual 4th of July picnics in your back yard these past few years. He certainly had an impressive background in Civil Engineering employment, education, and related activities. My thoughts are with you.
October 7, 2011
As a transfer student to BU, I was welcomed into the Civil Engineering Family by one hell of a man in Dr. Seckler. Many great memories at Bradley included him none better than the Hydraulics trip to Denmark, Norway and Sweden. RIP
Clayton E. Stokes PE (Midland, Michigan)
Emad Malouf
October 7, 2011
John, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Dane Watson
October 7, 2011
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the Seckler family. I had Dr. Seckler last semester for Dynamics, and I think I learned as many life lessons from Dr. Seckler in that class as I did textbook material. His sense of humor always came through in his lectures and his stories about his family, and it was evident that he cherished his family very much. Although his class was difficult, I know my friends and I looked forward to our time with him every week. He was a great person, and I am glad I had the privilege of getting to know him during his last year at Bradley.
October 7, 2011
Dear Sherry, Jim & John,
We are so very shocked and sorry to read this sad news. You are a special part of our years in the Peoria area and our memories will remain. Wish we could be there to share in your sorrow. Love, Marilyn & Bob Hoerr, Sierra Vista, AZ
Sue McDonough
October 7, 2011
There is nothing in the world greater than a person who shares their knowledge with others, and to make such a lasting impression on people and in our world is truly a blessing. I extend my sympathies to the family of Dr. Seckler, and hope that the pain of losing your loved one is replaced quickly by wonderful memories of your father and husband.
Tim Sumner
October 7, 2011
My sympathies go to the Seckler family. Dr. Seckler was a tremendous professor and made the study of civil engineering all worth while. He provided students with the necessary technical background but also offered the practical side of engineering. Dr. Seckler was a man who you could talk with about the details of hydrology and hydraulics in the classroom, but also so easy going that you could talk to him about anything else. Bradley University has lost a dedicated professional.
Clay Keller
October 7, 2011
Dr. Seckler was an absolutely astounding teacher. I learned so much from this man while having a ton of fun along the way. I will never forget the 4 classes I had with him and the good times we had. He was the first teacher I had that could completely get everyone's attention without even saying a word. Dr. Seckler will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were close to this great man.
david beam
October 7, 2011
Sherry, Jim and John; I'm sad for you all today. Your husband and dad was one of those people that always made me laugh. His legacy at Bradley is such a positive and unique experience for the thousands of students whose lives he helped to transform.
My sincerest thoughts are with all of you.
davy beam
Dawn Hauser
October 7, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Shawn Maurer
October 7, 2011
Dr. Seckler was one of a kind and will be missed.
Chad Langan
October 7, 2011
He was a great professor, counselor, and mentor. His life's resume speaks for itself. You will be missed Dr. Seckler.
Andrew Gurski '03
October 7, 2011
Dr. Seckler was the epitome of greatness that all professors should try to attain. He expected nothing but the best from his students and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure you reached your highest potential. To those that knew him, he may have had a hard shell but his heart was as big as life. Dr. Seckler’s passing is an enormous loss to Bradley University and he will be irreplaceable. But the biggest loss is to the students that will never get the opportunity to have been taught by a great mentor. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.
Ann Creech
October 7, 2011
To the family of Jim Seckler, my sympathy are with you at this time. May God be with you and know that Jim is at rest. Ann Creech
Brian & Jenny Polakowski
October 7, 2011
Dr. Seckler was the best professor my wife and I had while attending Bradley. His teaching went beyond the classroom where he really got to know the students. I will always remember our study abroad trip to Denmark with Dr Seckler. The world lost a great one...
Colin Edwards
October 7, 2011
Dr. Seckler was a great teacher and mentor. I'll always remember his being about the toughest and most demanding professor I ever had at Bradley. His "C's" were worth other's "A's." One bonus from his teaching was he always shared the practical side of engineering as well as the theoretical, and he knew how to make classes interesting and personal. The techniques, principles, and professionalism he taught have stayed with me to this day. Funny, I was just remembering a few days ago his coming into the environmental lab at BU on Easter Sunday 1981 to check on our lab group's BOD5 test work -- no choice for us since that lab test had to be done on that day. But, here was a professor that wasn't just going through the motions. He didn't have to come in on Sunday and could have just let us do our thing. However, it was obvious he really cared about our learning and professional development. Over my 6 years at Bradley and later as a practicing civil engineer, Dr. Seckler became a trusted advisor and mentor, and I will always have fond memories of the times together.
David Zietlow
October 7, 2011
Jim served Bradley well. He kept the mission of the university in focus as he mentored students throughout his career. He was a great colleague and has left some large shoes to fill. May you find comfort as you grieve the loss of this great man.
Marcia Edwards
October 7, 2011
My thoughts are with you during this time. He will truly be missed.
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