James Richard Sidbury

James Richard "Dick" Sidbury, Ph.D., passed away on December 5, 2024, in Mt. Pleasant, SC, at the age of 81. Born in 1943 in Wilmington, NC, he was the beloved son of James Woodman Sidbury and Martha Roof Sidbury.

Dick dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and education. He earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1965 and later achieved a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Auburn University. His academic journey led to a distinguished thirty-year career as a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Scranton, where he inspired countless students with his passion for teaching and deep expertise in his field.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick was known for his kindness and generosity with others. He found joy in movies and TV, especially science fiction, and loved sharing those passions with others. He was also an avid sports fan and a golfer for many years. These and many other interests brought him happiness throughout his life. An animal lover at heart, he always shared his home with at least one cat.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Catharine Grow, and their daughter, Laura Sidbury, as well as two cats, Dr. Tweets and Quincy. He was predeceased by a brother, David (Debbie) Sidbury in 2017, and leaves behind two sisters, Barbara (Blake) Eckard and Mary (Ron) Pierce, as well as many nephews and nieces who shared in the memories of his remarkable life.

Dick will be remembered for his warmth, intellect, and the joy he brought to those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to his family and friends during this time of loss. A Celebration of His Life will be held at noon on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Humane Society in Dick's honor.