Historical November–December 2011 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Dr. James McLeod came to Washington University in 1974 as an Assistant Professor of German.
He became increasing important as an administrator who advised a chancellor, directed African American studies, served as the undergraduate dean and was the creator of programs that increased student diversity.
On October 9, Washington University held a memorial service for a man beloved by those who worked with him.
The service was packed; many of those present were students who had been in Jim’s program; a goodly number came from out of town to attend the service. For many of us, Jim was a neighbor and friend who was active on the Council in the 1980s.
When Jim arrived in St. Louis, he lived in a two-family in our neighborhood.
He soon bought a house and renovated it on the 6100 block of McPherson where he lived with his wife Clara and daughter Sara.
According to former SDCC director Nancy Farmer, Jim fully appreciated the many diversities of Skinker DeBaliviere: age, income, race.
He always spoke of neighbors, not residents, and believed in neighbor helping neighbor. Former alderman Dan McGuire said, “I got to know Jim when he was the Washington University representative to SDCC.
He was the personification of a “gentleman” in every sense of the word and, without fanfare, did so much for his university and his neighborhood.
I feel honored to have known him.” Karleen Hoerr served with him on the council.
She noted that, “everybody thought he was their good pal.
He made you feel so special.” Hoerr added that he was “remarkably kind and thoughtful. McLeon was his university’s representative to the council, succeeding Bob Blackburn.
He also served a term as president. He, Karleen, and the late Kathleen Hamilton helped select Nancy Farmer as executive director. Then, Jim and Karleen had breakfast with her once a week at the West End Cafe.
They wanted to ensure her success. McLeod helped her put on a benefit concert for the SDCC with a noted local pianist. Nancy recalled being in numerous meetings with him and he never looked at his watch.
When he was with you, he gave you his complete attention.
If you had met JimMcLeod, you would not forget him. Few had his warmth or grace.
His mark on Washington University and his students will be long evident.
But he also enhanced Skinker DeBaliviere.
He clearly wanted to live here and he helped make it what it is today, a diverse neighborhood of neighbors.
Original photograph caption
Jim Mc Leod with Esther Herron, Karleen Hoerr and Nancy Farmer. Caption source spells Mc Cleod; descriptive spelling follows article subject.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2011.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Original Mc Leon and caption Mc Cleod variants retained without changing body name or profile identity.
Original source: SD_Times2011_11.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
