Dear Mrs. McGovern, Jim, Mike, and Susan,

Over the years you have often been on my mind. While I am sad to learn of the Professor's passing, I have also learned much wonderful news about you all. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love your former neighbor,
Dr. Jill Deissler

Joan,   So sorry for your loss. Jim was a good fellow historian.

It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of one of my favorite instructors at UWF.  Dr. McGovern befriended my wife and me while I was first an undergraduate and then later a graduate student of history.  I was one of his TAs and he entrusted me with occasionally house and dog-sitting.  He was a wonderful, intelligent man who was graceful and kind to a fault, though woe be the student who tangled with him :)  He will be greatly missed - my condolences to his family - we are poorer for having lost him but richer for having known him.

I was a "late bloomer" who attended PJC,got married,then completed my BA when UWF first got under way,graduating in the Charter Class. Dr. McGovern shared my avid interest in local history. He was a gentleman,a scholar, and a great inspiration to me and countless others. May God bless this nation with more dedicated teachers like Dr. McGovern!

I met Jim when I began teaching at UWF in 1990, and he always impressed me as a dedicated teacher and scholar.  He always was encouraging, despite our occasional disagreements, and he took a genuine interest in my activities.  I will miss his dry sense of humor and the discussions we had about all sorts of topics that continued for years on an occasional basis even after he retired.

I enrolled at UWF as an English major and History minor in the early 1980's; Dr. McGovern was a  challenging professor, but, indeed was my ideal model of a great professor.  He made History interesting and most valuable to me. He expected the best of each of us, and we all tried to measure up to his expectations. He was a fine gentleman and professor. I will miss seeing him sitting in the library, reading the newspapers. He leaves a legacy not many of us as teachers will ever forget. I am sorry for your great loss.

To Joan and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the God of hope, fill you all with peace as you trust in him.  Former Nursing Co-Worker -Dr.Shirley Holt-Hill (Milton, Florida)  & Dr. Bobbie Holt-Ragler (Mobile, Alabama)

A gentleman and a scholar with wit and style. I'm glad I got to know him at UWF. He will be missed by many!

As a frequent visitor to Azalea Trace, I had many opportunities to share stories with Dr. McGovern and his lovely wife.  It is with much sadness that I read of his passing.

Dr Jim McGovern was the best teacher I ever had.  He was my professor at UWF and after 31 years teaching in public school, I realize more and more everyday how much he changed my life and broadened my thinking. I hope and pray that I have passed some of it on.  God bless you, Dr McGovern.

I had Dr. McGovern for a few of my history courses at UWF and thought he was an excellent teacher. I went on to teach college history and carried a few ideas I learned from him into my career.
I am saddened to learn of his passing.

I will miss Dr. McGovern so much!! Every Thanksgiving and major holiday at my parents house I will think of him.  He was such a wonderful and kind man and I am so blessed to have had him as such a major part of my life for so many years. 
All my Love - Tierney Witt Luoma and family

OBITUARY

James Richard McGovern

Born AUGUST 22, 1928

Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel & Bayview Memorial Park

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