I just heard the sad news concerning the passing of Professor and Chair of the FSU Physics department James Brooks. Dr. Brooks was an extraordinary human being, both as an academic and as a mentor and friend. While I didnt know him as well as other students who may have worked for him directly, I was lucky enough to experience his charm and his keen sense of humor during my last few years at FSU. As a continuously disgruntled student, I was in his office with an embarrassing frequency, complaining about rather banal issues within the department. Despite my nettlesome ways, he always treated me with utmost respect, and I always left his office smiling -- his sense of humor and mannerisms were so genuine and calming, and his mastery of tasteful sarcasm unrivaled. He worked to resolve the difficult issues presented within the department despite his avowed hate for his position as chair (which he expressed often!), a sign of his selflessness and commitment. He cared about his students and checked on us often, even pushing around department funds to help us, the students, make it to SPS functions—taking time out of his busy day for us. I feel personally affected by his passing and I will be mournful of it for a long time. I know that many students, staff and faculty members in our department are sharing in this sadness, and rightfully so; Dr. Brooks passing is a loss to not only the physics department, but to the FSU and scientific community as a whole. I only wish that I was able to talk to him again before his passing to thank him for all that he did for the department and for all of the support he gave me. Rest in peace. You will be missed. My thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:28:36 +0000
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