I had Prof. Jim Ennis as my advisor while a Sociology major at Tufts from '93-97. He ignited my love for the work of social science and I can say in truth that my experience with him as an undergraduate inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. and become a university faculty myself. I am now an assistant prof in information science at Rutgers, and I think about him so often, especially in my own undergraduate teaching. I was so saddened to hear of his passing, I extend deep condolences to his family and his friends and colleagues at Tufts. Jim was a thoughtful, kind man who was generous with his knowledge and whose spirit, influence and teachings touched many. <3

Jim's passing is  a great loss to the community of scholars, to Tufts  and to me personally.  I always enjoyed talking to Jim.  He was non-dogmatic, but value-driven, a great listener, a very supportive teacher and always willing to collaborate.  He never dwelled on his illness in our e-mails and always asked about my children. He was gentle, sensitive and super smart.
I will always treasure our collaborative paper, where Jim's knowledge of networking was invaluable.

I and my family mourn his loss.

We send our love and deepest condolences to Gloria, Noah and Sam. He was so proud of his family

Sheldon and Carolyn Krimsky

I met Jim when I was on the job market in 2001. I liked him a great deal when I visited Tufts. We had some common interests and enjoyed talking with each other, but we didn't keep in touch. A bunch of years later, he came to see a talk of mine at ASA--out of the blue--and then arranged for me to submit my article to a special issue (I think he'd backed out of it) that had far more distinguished contributors than myself. At both times, years apart, Jim gently injected real confidence in me, and at times when I needed it. I'm very sad to hear of his passing. I can only guess that he was a marvelous teacher and mentor. My condolences to all who were close to him.

Though his Theory Class was hard , Professor Ennis was one of the reasons I fell in love with Sociolgy . Thank you for pushing me to think harder and wiser.

Even though I haven't seen Jim in recent years, I hold him, Gloria and the family in my heart and am profoundly grateful to have shared time on Earth with this gentle, smart, peaceful and loving man.  Sending his family much Love and Light and Prayers . 

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."

Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love. Everything is united by it alone. Love is God, and to die means that I, a particle of love, shall return to the general and eternal source.

~Leo Tolstoy

Kate and I are so sad to hear of Jim's death. He was a very bright, interesting man. Our best to Gloria, Noah and Sam.

This is a great loss. Jim was an exemplary colleague and a very fine man. I always deeply valued his thoughts, which were insightful and gently delivered.

My deep condolences to Jim's family and friends. Jim was a kind and inspiring colleague and mentor to countless students. He will be greatly missed at Tufts.

I took Jim's Social Movements class as an undergrad. Our rigorous analysis of citizen engagement shaped my career path, which eventually brought me back to Tufts. Years later, I got to know him as a colleague when we were Tisch Faculty Fellows together. It is not an overstatement to say that Jim had a hand is shaping who I've become. I'm so grateful for his role in my education, and I will miss him. My condolences go all who were close to him.

Very sad to learn about this. Jim was great to me both when I was a student and years later as a faculty colleague. He will be very much missed, and always remembered. My condolences to his family, friends, and students, as well as to the larger Tufts community.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Professor Ennis was a wonderful mentor and assisted me in many academic pursuits. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Dear Gloria, Sam, and Noah -
I am deeply sorry to hear this terrible news. It is difficult to envision our department without his warmth, optimism, open-mindedness, intellectual acumen, and wit. He was a gift. My thoughts are with you all.
Sarah S.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was an extraordinarily person and top-notch faculty mentor. His absence on campus will be felt widely and deeply.

The Department of Sociology at Tufts University offers our condolences to Jim's family.  Jim has been a member of our family for many years and he will be missed deeply.

OBITUARY

James Ennis

Passed away on JULY 7, 2015

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