Birth date: Jul 12, 1948 Death date: Dec 22, 2025
Dr. James Campbell Curtis, age 87, of Lewes, Delaware, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 22. Born on July 12, 1938, Dr. Curtis was the son of the late Burnham and Jane (Currie) Curtis. A lifelong scholar and Read Obituary
Dr. Curtis was my professor for two history classes at UD in 1974/1975. He made difficult concepts more understandable, usually with wit and compassion. I remember to this day his multimedia presentations integrating photos with music. RIP, Dr. Curtis.
I had the honor and pleasure of being a student of Dr. Curtis in History 101 & 102 courses in late 70s/early 80s, taking both in a History Through Film format. While there were regular daytime lectures, we also had evening films to compliment the time period studied, but the films were incredible movie style...On the Waterfront, The Caine Mutiny, etc.
Lectures as well were memorable, with one on how "The Wizard of Oz" was reflective of the time period...Scarecrow as Agriculture, Tin Man as Industry, Dorothy as Common Person, Oz as God...Who knew? Another on Sports as the American Culture, w/ Dr. Curtis wearing a variety of sports / athletic gear during lecture.
He was warm, he was welcoming, he created educational energy and he did have an incredible sense of humor. Thank you, Dr. Curtis
I was lucky enough to meet Jim through his wife, 'Mrs. Wise' who had been my favorite teacher at Our Lady of Fatima.
Jim hosted us in their home at a Ski Resort in Colorado. Jim taught us how to ski the moguls.
Throughout the trip his warm humor and willingness to discuss history with us was unforgettable.
Andrew Bailor
