James S. Fleming Ph.D.

March 8, 1943 - July 19, 2024. Dr. James S. Fleming died on July 19, 2024 after a brief hospitalization. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Christine E. Murray, his two sons, Brendon Fleming (wife, Ruth Levenkron), and Jacob Fleming (wife, Nicole Fleming), his stepsister Florence Mackie (husband, Jeffrey Mackie), and their wonderful families, along with many loving cousins and extended family members. Dr. Fleming is predeceased by his father, Jacob Sipe Fleming, his mother, Louise Elam Fleming Spruill, his brother, William Patrick (Pat) Fleming, and his stepfather the Rev. Edward M. Spruill.
A native of North Carolina, Jim received his B.A. degree in Political Science from Wake Forest University in 1965. He went on to complete his M.A. (1968) and his Ph.D. (1971) in Political Science from the University of Arizona.
Known to his friends as Jim or Jimmy, to his students as Professor Fleming, and to his five beloved grandchildren as Pops, Jim loved the study of politics and sharing his knowledge with students. He was the author of the award-winning book, Window on Congress: A Congressional Biography of Barber B. Conable, Jr.
Professor Fleming devoted his professional career to teaching Political Science to students at Eisenhower College (1970-1982), the Rochester Institute of Technology (1982-2007), and SUNY College at Brockport (2008-2015). More than 10,000 students benefited from Professor Fleming's knowledge and teaching expertise. He also facilitated a highly popular course for older adults at Oasis Rochester (2008-2020).
International travel was an important part of Jim's life, including his time as a Rotary Foundation Ambassador Scholar studying at the University of Adelaide, Australia, and taking students to India with his long-time friend Dr. Murli Sinha. Jim and Chris explored the world together, trying to drive on the opposite side of the road in Trinidad, visiting the Soviet Union, and enjoying music in Irish pubs, among other adventures.
Having been an outstanding high school football and basketball player, Jim was a lifelong college football and basketball fan. This was especially true when his undergraduate alma mater, Wake Forest University, was playing his sons' alma mater, Syracuse University. The summer also could not be considered complete without a Rochester Red Wings baseball game.
Most of all Jim loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Jim was so proud of his sons, Brendon and Jay, and he adored his five grandchildren: Cecilia, Vivian, Ella, Leo, and Sipe. He will be deeply missed.
Dr. Fleming's final contribution to education was the donation of his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Rochester Medical School. Jim did not like funerals, but he loved a party. Friends may call Thursday, August 8 from 5-8 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Chapel, 2305 Monroe Avenue. Please also join us for his Celebration of Life to be held at the funeral chapel Friday, August 9, at 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim would be very much appreciated to Oasis Rochester, 259 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 (rochester.oasisnet.org/donate) or to your favorite charity.