Jim Vick
Obituary by the Family:
James (Jim) Vick of Austin, Texas died peacefully on November 8th, 2023 of complications of Parkinson’s dementia. He was 81 years old. At his side were his wife Niki, and his two children, Todd and Stuart. Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s fifteen years ago and for thirteen of those years, he lived a full life, continuing with tennis, traveling, hiking and, later regular boxing classes. During his last week, Jim was joined by his entire family. While there, they cried a little, shared memories and stories, laughed a lot and watched one last UT football game together.
Jim was born on March 8th, 1942, in Hope, Arkansas, but grew up in Baton Rouge, LA. He followed his parents in the teaching profession; his father Maurice McCall Vick was a chemistry professor and his mother Whitfield Cannon Vick was an education/history professor, both at LSU.
Jim attended LSU, graduating in Mathematics in 1964. While at LSU, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, establishing friendships he would maintain throughout his life.
Jim and Niki met the summer after HS and married in 1964. After both graduated from LSU, they moved to Charlottesville where Jim would earn both his MA and PhD in Mathematics from the University of Virginia in 1968. Their children Todd and Stuart were both born in Charlottesville while they were there. Following graduation and before moving permanently to Austin in 1970, Jim taught at Princeton for two years.
Jim, or JV as he became known to many of his colleagues, remained at UT through his formal retirement in 2012 although he continued to teach and stay involved with the University well beyond then. In 1978 he was named Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. In 1989 he was appointed Vice President of Student Affairs, a role he proudly held for more than 16 years, serving under four different presidents of the University. Student Affairs provided him additional engagement with students that he treasured and allowed him to build a team that had a lasting impact on student life. During this time he was appointed to the Men’s Athletic Council, later becoming it’s Chairman and representing the University to the Southwest Conference, Big XII Conference and the NCAA.
While he enjoyed his administrative duties, his true love was teaching. He never gave up that role throughout his almost 45 years on campus. He became famous for studying his students’ pictures before they arrived on the first day of class so he could call them all by name from Day 1. He got as much enjoyment from helping the struggling student one-on-one through Calculus as he did in rich discussions with graduate students on Topology theories and took incredible pride in seeing their successes after they left the 40 Acres. Every year, he invited classes to dinners at his house to get to know them beyond the classroom. The impact he made on his students and his ability to connect one on one resulted in many teaching awards including the Jean Holloway award, the Texas Excellence Award, Parents Association Award of Distinction, the Nowotny Medal, the Piper Professorship, and the President’s Associates Award (Plan II) among a number of others. While vice president he established the Freshman Interest Group Seminars (FIGS) and Reading Roundup program; was instrumental in the creation of The Recreational Sports Center, the Students Service Building, and 3 honors dorms and helped bring to fruition the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue. He was an Ashbel Smith Professor and a member of the second class of the UT Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
Beyond the University, he and Niki pursued one of their passions – the outdoors. They travelled every year to spend time in the mountains. Their road trips in the early years to the National Parks out west instilled a love of the Parks and for travel in Todd and Stuart. Visiting the chalets in Glacier National Park was always a particular family favorite. As empty nesters, they bought a house in Balsam, North Carolina, spending the summers hiking and making new friends. Over the last twenty years they travelled the world on hiking adventures from the Amalfi Coast to Machu Picchu.
Jim’s other passion was sports. Long a baseball player, he channeled the energy into coaching his children’s teams. Those teams from Northwest Little League to the Pony/Colt leagues won many championships. He was as well known for his positive and optimistic demeanor as for his teams’ successes. Without knowing much about soccer, he brought the same traits to those teams he coached and had the same success. When his coaching days were over, nothing made him more proud than watching his grandchildren play. Later he kept his competitive juices flowing by playing regular tennis games with friends from the University right up until his last few years. A natural right-hander, his knack for being able to play the occasional left-handed shot on a ball that seemed out of reach was always a fascination of the group.
Beyond travel and sports, Jim had an incredible creative side. He loved crossword puzzles, trivia and playing the banjo. He really shined as a writer. He wrote a math textbook that was used in classrooms around the country and was even translated into many languages. Most, though, knew him for his poetry. His annual Christmas poems were legendary, so much so that friends would make sure they were on the list if those poems were ever a bit late in arriving – which they often were. Beyond those, there was a whole set of poems that most did not see, including “PD and Me” that he wrote to share his thoughts after first being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Jim and Niki celebrated their 59th anniversary in August. She remained his loving companion until his last day. Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his older brother, Mac and wife Charlotte, his son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Shelley Vick, his daughter and son-in law, Stuart and Steve Smith, and his five grandchildren, Alyson, Wilson, Mackenzie, Melissa and Whit, as well as many nieces and nephews. In a way, the University was his sixth grandchild. He will forever be remembered for his charm, his character, his humility, his smile, and his compassion every bit as much as his intelligence and his skill.
Jim’s family would like to thank his personal caregivers Rosa Soto and Lisbeth Lozano, the staff at the Reserve of Lake Austin, especially, but not limited, to Laura, Eileen, Lonnie, Shae, Clayton, and Janet and the Seton Northwest nurses Heidi, Eva, Andi and Amy for the compassionate care they provided him in this last year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James W. Vick Endowed Scholarship for Student Leaders at UT to honor his life’s work and passion for teaching; the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or for Austin Power for Parkinson’s.
A Celebration of life will be held January 13th at 3:00 at the University of Texas Alumni Center (Ex Students Association) on the UT Campus.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Vick family.
Here is the program from Jim Vick's Celebration of Life held at the UT Alumni Center, January 13, 2024
Mel Oakes' Personal Remarks from service:
Being a eulogist late in the program, you run the risk of having your remarks become eloquently redundant right before your eyes. However in the case of Jim Vick, his life was so vast and varied only very bad luck could impose this fate. Were it to happen you could fall back on the comment I once heard, "Never underestimate the pleasure a physicist gets from hearing something they already know." I assume that is true for normal people also.
Each of you could and should be up here today sharing your stories about your friendship with Jim. However, Jim made only friends during his life, so a thousand and one nights would be required. Consequently I am very honored to be here. Age sometimes has its privileges, it should, given all the challenges that come with it.
My first contact with the Vick family was in the late 1950s as an undergraduate at LSU, Jim's Alma Mater. As a physics major, I would often see Jim's father, a professor, in the chemistry building. So my first encounter with Jim at UT revealed we had shared a number of professors in math and physics, many were friends of the Vick family and he had great stories to tell.
At UT as an undergraduate advisor in physics, I learned quickly there were a number of professors in math that our students much preferred. Jim Vick and Bill Guy were at the top of the list. Students would refuse to take a required physics course, pleading "Dr. Oakes, it is at the same hour as Dr. Vick's calculus class." I would point out, that it would delay their graduation by a semester if they waited. Usually the response from the student was "I don't care. I want to take Dr. Vick's class." Jim was a demanding professor, but students appreciated his clarity, his fairness and his dedication to their learning and the fact that contrary to Dr. Guy, they got their test papers graded and returned.
As time went on, students and faculty across the campus recognized the many talents of this bright and genial young man. His concern for students, his adherence to high academic standards and his willingness to work with others with different ideas made him an ideal member of important campus committees. One in particular was the 1979 Committee on General Education Requirements. This was one of the most important committees during my time on campus and was transformative. The committee was to set the requirements for every student that graduated from UT. It had been many years since these requirements had been examined and there was much interest. Given the provincial nature of almost every department and their belief that there was no room in their degree programs for any additional requirements, the committed faced major challenges. Jim Vick was selected as chair. It was not long before the committee was dubbed, "The Vick Committee.", even, in a supreme compliment, by the Bryan-College Station Eagle newspaper. There were many new requirements considered, not the least of which was an upper division writing requirement outside the English department. Jim's love of writing, I think, saw the committee through some difficult times, ultimately the writing requirement was added to the recommendations and was approved. I believe it had a major positive impact on our students. Without Jim, it might not have happened.
As one of his administrative duties in the College of Natural Sciences, Jim was responsible for calling out the names of every member of the graduating class during graduation ceremonies. Anyone who looked at the list of names in the program would immediately see what a challenge that was. Jim was flawless, never flubbing or producing a wince from a graduate. This talent provided Jim rare administrative job security. There was no way the dean could let him go. He would only move up, which he did.
I want to mention two other associations I had with Jim. In March of 2006, I invited Jim to join our tennis group. We played at 7 am Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Austin High School. Jim was an excellent player and his court etiquette was exemplary. He never expressed displeasure with a line call and was willing to play with any partner regardless of their level of play. Everyone enjoyed playing with Jim. He was fast on the court and fearless at the net. His volleys were crisp and directed. Needless to say, his friendly nature was enjoyed by everyone over the years. Some years later, I noticed Jim occasionally hitting the ball with his left hand. I praised his ability to do this so well and worried that we now would be unable to get a ball pass him. He thanked me, but volunteered that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. He resolved to continue to play until physically unable to play well. His determination enabled him to add many, many years of play. Even when his tremor increased, he could still play at a very high level and continued to run like a rabbit on the court. It was only a few years ago that a variety of health events helped the Parkinson's to end his play. It was a very sad day for our group and we still feel the loss. He did recover enough to rally with Austin Gleeson on occasion in the hope that he could return to the courts. Sadly it was not to be.
Another contact with Jim was through our bookclub, Jim joined after he retired. One aspect of the club was Poetry at the Lake where members read favorite poems or their own works. Jim always read his own poetry. I think most of us quickly realized that we were "poet want to bes " while Jim was the real deal. A favorite of ours which revealed Jim's humor and whimsey was "The Lookout" about Alyson Katherine Devereux Hamilton, a name he had encountered in a class I believe. I see it is included in the program today. As you have just heard, his "P.D. and Me" is amazing and touches deeply the hearts of all who hear it. Much like the life of Jim Vick.
Finally I think I can safely say on behalf of all of us who loved Jim Vick,— Niki, Todd and Stuart, we are so appreciative of the loving care that you provided our dear friend. He could not have been in better hands. If there are angels looking after him now, they have a high bar to cross.
A couple of Jim's Poems
P. D. and Me
I don’t recall just when it came,
Perhaps a year or more ago.
At first an injured thumb to blame;
The surgeon’s work might fade, you know.
But soon the twitching thumb was joined
By fingers dancing on their own.
A rhythm they themselves had coined;
Their silent music’s source unknown.
And so it goes from day to day.
There’s something going on, it’s clear.
The symptoms cannot be ignored.
Don’t speak the name. Could that be fear?
Just surf the web when you get bored.
The list of signs is there to heed:
A step that sometimes drags a shoe,
A halting hand that’s hard to read,
An eye whose blink is not on cue.
And so it goes from day to day.
Beneath the pillow, through the night
The neurons keep their steady beat.
Beneath the table, out of sight
When hosting friends or out to eat.
A conscious thought can stop the dance,
Like clinching teeth and holding tight.
When focus fades, it grabs the chance:
The constant motion its delight.
And so it goes from day to day.
The doctor’s words sound harsh to me,
“It’s Parkinson’s that you present.”
I ask how certain he can be;
He answers, “Ninety-nine percent.”
The good news is it’s early yet,
And science keeps a steady pace.
It looks like all my chips are bet
In hopes that they can win the race.
And so it goes from day to day.
It gives me time; who knows how much?
To do the things I love to do:
To see the world, to teach, to touch
Before the P. D. payment’s due.
And every step that I can take
To slow it down, to ease its grip,
By trying each new drug they make,
By pumping iron to keep me fit.
And so it goes from day to day.
But still I worry what’s in store:
Will my grandchildren’s memories
Be dominated evermore
By wretched tracks of this disease?
And will those few I hold so dear
Be asked to carry such a load,
To help me as the end draws near
Along this dark, uncertain road?
And so it goes from day to day.
Jim Vick
June 2008
P.D. at Three
Three strikes, y’er out! Third time’s a charm
Three cheers for those who please.
Three bears caused Goldilocks alarm.
Three Wise Men came to Jesus
Three years ago my diagnosis
Altered life’s direction.
The tracks this changing game discloses
Stimulate reflection.
My right hand tremor’s been my hex;
It’s anything but cool
Still worse my dozing swallow reflex
Tends to make me drool.
Each bit of food is slowed by
Peristaltic abdication
It’s Austin traffic, 5 PM, my
Unrelenting constipation.
Now tennis has become my game:
| charge the net and volley!
And PD’s there to take the blame
When bluster turns to folly.
My banjo tunes suggest ear plugs.
Expressed in some uncertain key.
The patterns are less Earl Scruggs,
More Heisenberg uncertainty.
But what goes through my mind each day,
Unseen and oft unspoken?
A change that now has come to stay,
A sleeping Sphinx awoken.
It’s worse than aging ... more discrete,
Not shared with those around me.
The sense | can no more compete
Because P.D. has found me.
It’s hard, when life has brought acclaim,
When heights were mine to climb,
To feel I’m lifted from the game
While I’m still in my prime.
I dream of building once again
A world where students thrive,
Relationships, careers begin
And futures come alive,
And long once more to throw a pass,
Or turn a double play,
Instead of hearing others ask,
“How do you feel today?”
As other doors are slowly closed,
Putting dreams beyond my reach
I walk the path my parents chose,
I pass the torch ... I teach.
Below are some photos of Jim with his tennis group. More can be found here: Tennis Group
Jim Vick at Austin High
Todd and Jim Vick
Dr. Ben White and Jim Vick
L to R: Austin Gleeson, Jim Harlow, Roger Bengtson, Mark Sullivan, Charles Thrash, Vernon Wong, David Racino, Dick Rew, John Moore, Paul Landry, Mel Oakes. June 7, 2016, Austin High Tennis Courts
L to R: Gordon Flack, Charles Thrash, Don Hauck, Dick Rew, Chieze Ibeneche, Jim Vick, Bill Winefordner, Paul Landry, Ben White, Jerry Loft, Pete Pavlos, Pete Antoniewicz and Mel Oakes, October 12, 2010, Austin High. Missing Janie Flack.
L To R: Mel Oakes, John Moore, David Racino, Mark Sullivan, Charles Thrash, Kate Monahan, Dick Rew, Jim Vick.
Here are Jim's academic parents, Maurice and Louise Whitfield Vick getting graduate degrees in 1937 from LSU:
Here are few early photos of Jim at Louisiana State University High School. He graduated in 1964
Jim Vick, 1960.
Jim in 1964 Who's Who
Jim as Co-captain of Football Team
He did it all
And naturally the math scholar.