John Richard "Jack" Pavia Jr.

When I attended Ithaca I had the good fortune to experience Professor Pavia's scholarship. I took one class and was hooked. I took every class he offered during my four years there. He was an amazing teacher and an equally amazing man. I think we formed a friendship in those four years that continues to resonate with me even now. I am sad to hear about his passing as I fell out of contact in recent years. But I love that I can memorialize him on this page.

In the fall of 1969, my freshman year, I was in one of Jack's Western Civilization classes at I.C. He was such an energetic, lively, fun professor. After I switched my major to history in 1971, he helped me
apply for an independent summer study course. He very much encouraged me as I transitioned to majoring in history. In the spring of my senior year, I was in one of his east Asian history courses. I am saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.


Fritz Hutchinson, class of 1973

I honor the memory of one of the finest teachers I ever had. John R. Pavia taught me to love learning again, put his faith in me as a T.A. while I studied at Ithaca College, and he changed my life. He helped me believe in myself. I'll never forget him. Teachers, no matter how old you are, help shape your passion and inclinations. Forever grateful. Blessings.

Dear Ann and John,
I met Jack in 1973-- he saw that I had a passion for history and the stories of our past and encouraged that flame. In all my years of higher learning (I collected 2 bachelors, a masters, and was working on a Phd for a while) he was always, for me, the epitome of what a professor should be, and never lost the throne. It was a great joy that our friendship continued all these years-- via correspondence, and it is a regret of mine that I was never able to get back to the area to see him again. One of my best college memories was an evening when you welcomed our Asian History class to your home.

Just last month, I was going through old papers, and found some of our early correspondence, mostly around the time my son was born. He sent my son a tee shirt he made of a wood cut that said in Chinese character "Women hold up half the sky." He reminded me of the words I'd learned in his class, and wrote that he trusted I'd teach my baby the idea as he grew. That baby is almost 29 now, and though he never met Jack, he learned well from him.

The world just got a little less vibrant when his light went out. You two were his treasures. May he sail on to new adventures. He will be missed.

I knew Jack from working at Ithaca College - he always had great stories to tell and even gave me a couple of his cameras - which I cherish!

Dear Lisa and William

I did not know Jack. I read his obituary because he looked like my uncle when he was in uniform.
I am so sorry for your loss. He must have been a wonderful husband and father.

God bless you.

My favorite professor and a good friend for 30 years. One of the greatest influences on my life. I will miss you, friend.

Ann, I am so very sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jack was my favorite Prof thirty years ago and we kept up a correspondence for years. I learned more about life from him as well as history. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

I had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful man for many years. He really was the Jack of all trades. Truly inspiring and a wonderful storyteller, I will carry his many lessons with me always. I feel honored that I will continue to experience his greatest qualities via his son. Sending love to Ann and John.

I first met Jack about 40 years ago while cleaning the "barn" for the annual Trumansburg Craft Sale. I am sure he would have enjoyed doing something else that Saturday before Thanksgiving each year!
Our craft sale connection continued all these years with our annual supper after the sale, beginning with sitting down and sharing the "stories" of the day. Jack will be dearly missed by my children, grandchildren, and me.