James Floyd Vivan

James (Jim) Vivian passed away unexpectedly November 6, 2011 during a brief stay in the Hospice of Arizona in Sun City West at the age of 77. The son of Lester and Erna Vivian was born August 25, 1934 in Phoenix, Arizona. After high school, Jim spent two years in the Army with the Korean War before finishing his B.A. degree from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1960, his Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1964, and his Ph.D. from the American University, Washington D.C. in 1971.

While working on his Ph.D., Jim taught high school, was an instructor at a junior college, and worked as an archivist for the National Archives and Records Service in Washington, D.C. After completing his degree, he taught for two years as assistant professor in history at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, before joining the University of North Dakota History faculty in the fall of 1973. It was a mark of Jim’s scholarly achievement that he was brought to University of North Dakota as an associate---rather than an assistant---professor. He became a full professor in 1981 and retired as Professor Emeritus of History in 1999. His dry sense of humor, quiet charm, and encouragement to his students made him a memorable teacher and supportive mentor.

Among Jim’s many early awards and honors is an award for Distinguished Service from the National Archives and Records Service in 1970. During his career, Jim gave examples of what would be a prolific and productive archival research writing of historical evidence by publishing articles in journals such as: Diplomatic History, American Nepture, Presidential Studies Quarterly, Church History, The Americas, Nebraska History, and North Dakota History. During his retirement in the Sun Cities, Arizona he has contributed articles to Journal of the West, Journal of Arizona History, Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal, and Days Past columns in newspapers. His books include The Romance of My Life: Theodore Roosevelt’s Speeches in North Dakota published by Harold Schafer and the Medora Foundation for the ND Centennial Commission project of the 100th anniversary of statehood; William Howard Taft; Collected Editorial, 1917-1921; and The President’s Salary; A study in Constitutional Declension, 1781-1990.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Diane; sons Daniel Vivian and Bradford Vivian; his sister Janet (Robert) Aaberg; aunt Vivian Machen; mother-in-law Clara Tenpas, brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews and great nieces and nephews. His legacy will live on in the heart of those who knew him and with those who love him. At his request there will be no service; instead donate to a charity of your choice in his name.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center, Sun City, AZ. 623-933-0161