In Loving Memory of
Jim Ridgway
Welcome to our Book of Remembrance.
There have been many conversations and messages over the past few weeks since we learned of Jim’s illness and death. The sadness we feel has been coupled with so many comments reflecting our many and different good memories of him. These have included descriptions of his academic contributions to research and education, but even more important for us all were personal comments about Jim, such as his infectious enthusiasm, his passion about everything he did, his love of travel, food and new experiences, his stock of stories and anecdotes and his sense of humour.
This Book of Remembrance is a way for us all to share our individual memories of Jim as a mentor, a colleague and a friend. We invite you to add your own memories of Jim to this book – photographs, stories and feelings.
We will miss him.
Lynn
Book Owner: Professor Lynn Newton, Head of the School of Education, Durham University
Book Size:Â 200 Messages
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N Chiu Space Centre
Jim was the first to welcome me when I first arrived in Durham for the IAS Responsible Space Exploitation Project a few years ago. I remember enjoying the lovely walk along the Peninsula with him. He was a founding member of the space project that has now become the Durham Space Research Centre, a major success of interdisciplinary enquiry. The foundation that he laid will not be forgotten. He will be forever missed by the Space team. …
Prue Holmes
I was really shocked to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always so full of life, love and energy. He had a great passion for research and sharing his ideas with others. He loved engaging with people and always greeted you with an infectious smile that brought enjoyment to your day. He was a pleasure to be around. I remember sitting beside him at a School Christmas luncheon some years ago in the Joachim Room at Hild & Bede College, and we were discussing buying Christmas presents for our families. I was amused at his approach: a book from Amazon. How useful and practical, I thought, but of course, for Jim it would also be about providing enlightenment and enjoyment in learning. He was an impressive communicator and a thoroughly warm and genuine person. We shall miss you greatly, Jim. …
Xiaofei Qi
I had the pleasure of working with Jim briefly on aseesment modules at SoE and I admired him so much about his enthusiasm and passion for teaching & research in assessment and his kindness to junior colleagues. It was always mind stimulating to talk to him, and his wisdom was something truly inspiring. In a way he is a role model in my academic career which always reminds me to be kind and supportive to others. I am truly sorry for the family’s loss with Jim and i am sure he is loved, respected and remembered by so many of us at SoE. lots of love from xiaofei. …
David Waugh
A kind, generous man with a ready smile and a wry sense of humour. Jim was one of those people who brightened up your day, even if meetings were casual and brief. He will be missed, but happy memories will linger….
Alexandra I. Cristea
My heartfelt condoleances to Jim’s family, it is a great surprise to hear that such a great light, such as Jim was, has been extinguished. Jim was always interested in the intersection between Computer Science and Education, and we have had excellent discussions and collaborations on it. It was lovely also meeting Ann and his friends in social settings at the Castle, where Jim was a member. We shall miss you, your enthusiams and energy, and always remember you with great fondness!…
Pedro Campos
Jim was a friend with whom I spent several times doing something we both enjoyed: trying to improve statistical literacy for a better world. I learnt a lot from him, and he always surprised us with new ideas, new approaches, new things!We needed Jim to stay with us for a few more years, because there’s still so much to do.We need you to keep going! Your place is empty.So long!…
Pieternel Verhoeven
I will always remember Jim as a friendly colleague. My thoughts and condoleances go to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be sorely missed. …
Ray Land
Jim was a lovely guy and a great colleague. His wry sense of humour was wonderful and his passion for research so impressive. I will always remember his kindness a few years ago when he agreed to move office so that a new member of our unit could be in close of proximity to the rest of our team in the Centre for Academic Practice. That was an act of true generosity and in many respects reflects the measure of the person that Jim was. I will remember with affection the conversations we had over dinners at the Castle where we were both Emeritus Fellows. He was a very committed Castleman. Always interesting and always great fun. We will all miss him. Be at peace now Jim. Ray Land …
Reija Helenius
It was great knowing you Jim. Thanks for everything. Fortunately, no one can take memories away….
Susanne Podworny
I especially remember Jim when we met in Japan at your rented house to discuss PCS things. Jim told me that he had just gone for a walk to walk 10,000 steps. That really impressed me and today I try to do that myself every day! He was so inspiring in many aspects! I wish you peace and serenity….
Maria M. Nascimento
I first met Jim in person at Lubliana at ICOTS; his ideas and partnership with James were motivating. I liked him very much and followed his work. My condolences to his family….
Rob Gould
I had just received Jim’s book, Statistics for Empowerment an Social Engagement, when I heard this sad and shocking news. Jim was a wonderful and kind friend and colleague. A true leader in statistics education. As the book title suggests, Jim focused on what was important and what made a difference for the better, at a time when using statistics to make strong decisions and understand our civic world is more important than ever. I think few of us can say our work has had the positive impact that Jim’s has had. And, given his terrific colleagues, I’m sure his work will continue to have an impact for the better. I’ll miss Jim’s humor, his insights, his encouragements and his ideas. My condolences to his family….
Sophie Ward
I will always remember Jim’s smile and kindness. He was a wonderful colleague and will be sadly missed. …
Ayse Bilgin
I have known Jim for over a decade, I can say that he was kind and caring, a dear friend. His contributions and warmth touched us all. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time….
