James "Jim" Stephen Kaminsky

Jim was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 23, 1945. After spending a happy childhood there, Jim attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1967.  He continued his education at Michigan State University where he earned a Master of Arts in 1969, and a Doctorate in Philosophy of Education in 1973.

After teaching in elementary school for a few years, Jim moved to Australia where he met and married his first wife, Bonnie.  During his time “down under” Jim was a professor at the University of New England, as well as Associate Dean. He also wrote a textbook and served as Executive Editor of “Educational Philosophy and Theory”, a journal of the Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia.

After the birth of their daughter, Jessica, Jim and Bonnie returned to the United States to live. They moved to Auburn in the late 1980’s, intending to be here only a few years, with Jim teaching at Auburn University. Jim served as Head of Department from 1992 through 2001.  Jim was actively involved in the Southeast Philosophy of Education Society.  Professional honors included Auburn University’s Authors Cup, and the 2005 SGA Outstanding College of Education Professor award. After Bonnie’s untimely death in 2005, Jim married Julie Boggan in 2007.  In 2009, Jim was awarded the Mildred Cheshire Fraley Distinguished Professorship. Upon his retirement, Jim was granted the status of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, sister Mary and his first wife, Bonnie. He is survived by his current wife, Julie and her children, Anella Nicole DiVito, John Michael Schutta (Brittany) and Regina Michelle Schutta; his daughter Jessica and her husband, John, and their children, James Atticus Glassmire and Jantzen Finch Glassmire.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one’s favorite charity.