JAMES DEAN SNOWDON
1947-2008
Jim came to Acadia in the summer of 1980, to teach for one year as a sabbatical replacement; he never left. Born in Sackville, NB, Jim was educated at Mount Allison University and the University of New Brunswick. His entire teaching career was spent in Acadia’s service, as he filled a number of full and part-time positions over the years, as well as through Distance Education. He ceased his official connection with Acadia only a few months before he died. As a teacher, Jim was very popular with students, as he provided challenging, informative and interesting courses. He taught primarily in the area of Canadian history, occasionally straying into American history and Canadian-American relations, as need arose. Over the past decade or so, he assumed responsibility for teaching the two Perspectives on Canada courses, which are the core of our Canadian Studies programme. Although doing so was never part of his paid responsibilities, Jim was always ready to assist students other than his own with advice and suggestions, and to take on the burden of thesis supervision. His contribution to the student life of the department was truly significant.
Jim also took an active part in other aspects of the life of Acadia. He was a strong supporter of departmental activities, always willing to serve on committees or lend a hand when required. He took a leadership role in the Planter Studies Committee and the publications and conferences that committee undertook in the past twenty years.
Jim had a passion for the material culture of the Maritimes (and for the Maritimes!), and was an acknowledged expert on the subject, especially of 18th century furniture from the region. This was the focal point of his writing and public addresses, and he added significantly to his field of interest. He was a part-time antiques dealer, and a regular in recent years on the Canadian Antiques Road Show on CBC television. He was always very generous with his knowledge and advice to those of us who knew far less about art and antiques than he.
Above all else, Jim was a wonderful friend. He was outgoing by nature, with an impressive memory for faces and names. He loved informal chats over a coffee at the Merchant, or during lunch in the BAC fourth floor lounge. He was almost always “up,” filled with energy and enthusiasm. Never once, in those last difficult months, did I hear him complain, or be anything but positive, believing until the end that he would somehow beat the cancer that had appeared so suddenly in September 2007 and which ravaged his body so quickly and so terribly.
Although at the last not even his indomitable spirit was enough to stop the disease, Jim left a significant legacy in the friends whose lives he touched, in the students whose careers he influenced, and in the department that he helped to shape. He will be sadly missed.
Jim died on 12 April 2008, and was survived by his wife Susan, daughter Sarah, stepchildren Bree-Ann Lightfoot and Carey Blair, two grandchildren, numerous relatives and a wide circle of friends. A scholarship in Jim’s honour has been established at Acadia, for which donations are gratefully received.
Barry Moody