James Gates Ferguson Jr.

Dr. James Gates Ferguson, Jr., was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 22, 1941 to Olivia Merry Ferguson and James Gates Ferguson. His parents worked together at Ferguson Publishing Company, founded by his father. The family moved to Tryon, North Carolina, in the 1950s, and Jim attended the Asheville School for Boys. While in Tryon, he began studying keyboard, and played for services at the local Episcopalian church.

Jim attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his BA, MA (Sociology) and PhD (Social Psychology). After completing his training, he became an assistant professor at the University of Vermont, where he met his wife, Eleanor (Ellie) Earle.

Jim and Ellie were married at Duke University Chapel on August 3, 1975. They have one daughter, Eliza, and one granddaughter, Julia. Jim and Ellie were founding members of the Congregation at Duke University Chapel, and Jim served faithfully for decades as the Head Usher. He also continued studying organ with Duke faculty, and played a key role in the selection of the monumental Flentrop organ in the nave.

During the 1980s, Jim and Ellie’s passion for cuisine and regional identity led them to establish the Piedmont Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, and they became active members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. This laid the foundation for Jim’s legendary Honors Undergraduate Seminar in Food and Culture, which he first taught at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1997. Known affectionately as “EATS 101,” Jim taught his course continually through the fall of 2025. Hundreds of his former students will continue to carry on his legacy.

A memorial service will be held at Duke University Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Duke University Chapel (https://chapel.duke.edu/about-chapel/support/).