Dr. James William Haskins Jr.

Dr. James Haskins, Jr.

Dr. James William Haskins Jr. of Tallahassee, FL passed away during the evening hours of Wednesday, June 11, 2014. He was born in Sandusky, OH, December 01, 1932 to James William and Iona Marie (Rollison) Haskins. James Jr., graduated from Sandusky High School in 1951 where he excelled in biology, chemistry and was an accomplished athlete. James Jr., was the first in his family to attend college and received a Bachelor of Arts from Bowling Green State University. His love of learning led to continuing his education receiving a Masters of Educational Administration and ABD (Doctorate Degree) in Educational Leadership from University of Pennsylvania, PA. James Jr., served in the United States Marine Corps, received the rank of Sgt., and transferred from Quantico, VA to continue service as a reservist with the USMC in Philadelphia, PA- honorably discharged in 1972. During this time James Jr., married Janie Louise Moore in 1960 and the family moved to Philadelphia, PA in 1967. This union produced seven children and lasted for 20 plus years.

James' love of biology and chemistry guided his professional development working for organizations such as Providence Hospital, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, the American Chemical Society, NASA, E.I. DuPont Nemours and Florida A&M University. In1980-1983, a new chapter began for James when he accepted an Assistant Professor position in the School of Journalism at FAMU, where he was affectionately regarded as one "tough" instructor, mentor, and collaborator to his many students and colleagues. James' participation and collaborations were well known in both the scientific and academia worlds, respectively, as reflected in various memberships and affiliations (Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Chi, National Association of Science Writers, and the Public Relations Society of America), James' officially retired from FAMU in 1979 leaving an impressive collection of publications, certifications of appreciation, and awards (FAMU: Teacher of the Year, 1992-1993).

James leaves to cherish his memory, his sons Scott D. (Baltimore, MD), and Ronald E. (Minako) (Brooklyn, NY) and daughters Lisa M. (Philadelphia, PA), Karen A. (Leesburg, VA.), Laura L. (Philadelphia, PA.) Sondra L. (Lanham, MD) and Iona M. (Columbia, MD). Nine grandchildren, Christopher J. Wilson, Scott D. Haskins, II, Chris Gordon, Tieisha Tift, Narcissa E. Haskins, Chantise Spikes, Alex S. Haskins, David L. Spikes, and Nina A. Haskins. Two brothers, Robert E. Haskins (MI) and Ronald A. Haskins (N. Hollywood, CA) and a host of nephews, nieces, friends, colleagues, and students. He is preceded in death by his parents James W. and Iona Marie Haskins, and his brother Leroy L. Haskins. Some of Dad's greatest loves besides his family, friends, and students was God, music (guitar player and singer), golf, golf, and more golf, fishing, expert furniture craftsman, and sailing. The family invites all those who knew and loved James to share in the celebration of his life at a memorial service to be held at RICHARDSON'S TALLAHASSEE CHAPEL(850)576-4144, at 2627 S. Adams St. Tallahassee, FL, on Fri. June 20, 2014 at 11AM. The family will receive friends from 10AM until the hour of service at the mortuary. Burial with military honors will be Fri. June 27,in Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia.