Dr. James Ginn, Sr.

  On July 14, 1934, James Ervin Ginn was born in Savannah, Georgia.  His parents were Idell Kitchen and Perry Ginn. James’ early years were spent in Orlando Florida.  He attended Brown School (Orlando public schools).  His mother recognized when James was quite small that he had some special abilities.  She developed a determination to send him to the best schools that she could find.  She knew that she wanted a school that focused on a quality education. When it was time for James to start high school, his mother chose a high school out of the state of Florida.   Soon James was off to the Snow Hill Institute located in Snow Hill, Alabama. While attending Snow Hill High, James played football and simultaneously played drums in the band. He often talked about how he played football and at half time, marched on the field (in his football uniform) with the band.  James was also an exceptional baseball player.  It is said that he could have gone pro, but his mother continued to push for education. After graduating from high school in 1953, James entered Clark College.  While attending college some financial challenges threatened his pursuit. Regrettably, James had to delay his goal of achieving his college education.   James entered the U.S. military in 1957.  There he served honorably and achieved the status of a sharp shooter. After the military, James graduated from Clark College in 1959. He went on to achieve his Master’s Degree from Atlanta University in 1961. In the spring of 1960, James met the love of his life.  Margaret King.  They married on August 16, 1961 and remained in this union until his death on September 29, 2017.  God blessed this union with one son, James E. Ginn Jr. James began his college professorship at Jackson State University in 1962.  In 1963 James accepted a position in the math department at Texas Southern University. It was at Texas Southern where he followed his passion of ensuring that all students were challenged and received a quality education.  He mentored countless youths even from other schools.  He encouraged them to excel in the classroom in order to compete in our society.  He challenged every student, and truly led by example. With a love for education, James continued to lead by example.  He entered Texas A&M University to pursue a higher education.  He received his Ph.D. in Statistics in 1973.   Some accomplishments achieved by James are: * Head of the Math Department at Texas Southern for 30 years. * Consultant at NASA/ Lockheed Martin * Consultant at Houston Community College * And much, much more “Doc” as he was affectionately called was recruited by numerous universities around the country, but he remained devoted to the students of Texas Southern University. “Doc” was fun loving, kind, helpful, easy going, brilliant, intelligent, loyal, passionate, intense, remarkable and on and on. Waiting at the front gate when he arrived on September 29, 2017 were his parents Idell Kitchen and Perry Ginn.  Not far behind were his awesome friends, William Wright Sr., Eleanor Green, Honey Jordan, and Henry Moore Sr. A beautiful life with many memories will forever remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Margaret, his devoted son James Ginn Jr., and Keiba Hopkins.  Grandchildren: Madison Ginn and Alexander Ginn.  A Favorite Student:  Etta (Lucky) McChristian.  Cousins:  Janie Ruth Jones, Bessie Sweet and a host of other relatives and friends.