Dr. James L. Terhune's Obituary
Dr. James L. Terhune passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Village retirement community in Gainesville, Florida. He was 84.
A longtime resident of Gainesville, Jim was born July 26, 1940, in Carthage, Indiana, to Albert and Frances Terhune. He grew up on a farm and then started his lifelong journey in higher education at nearby Taylor University. There he met the love of his life, Frances Woy, in freshman English class. Later, she invited him to a Sadie Hawkins dance. They were married 56 years and raised three children in a home full of laughter and love.
Jim moved his young family to Gainesville in 1967 to join the faculty at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. He taught courses in advertising, survey research and ethics, among others. He worked his way up to department chairman for advertising and later for public relations. Jim spent 17 years as the college’s senior associate dean. The American Advertising Federation honored him with its Silver Medal Award.
In 1983, he assumed one of his favorite roles as editor of the communigator, the college’s alumni publication. He spent many nights at his kitchen table, pica pole in hand, designing pages and determining where photos and headlines would go. He wrote and edited hundreds of stories on the accomplishments and experiences of students and graduates. Throughout his life, Jim loved telling stories – in print and in person – and enjoyed staying in touch with family, friends, former students and other Gator grads.
He retired from UF in 2003 after 36 years as a professor and administrator. Soon after, he and Fran moved to the Atlanta area to be closer to their two granddaughters.
Jim also was passionate about his Christian faith and sharing it with others. He and Fran joined Westside Baptist Church soon after moving to Gainesville. Jim taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and took on roles in Easter and Christmas programs.
Later, the couple embarked on mission trips to China, Russia, Tanzania and other countries. In 1992, he handed out leaflets in the Moscow subway and invited people to a Billy Graham crusade, the first one there. In 1995, he was an instructor at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Tanzania.
A love of travel also took Jim to other spots around the globe. In recent years, Jim’s travels focused on visits to Los Angeles to see his granddaughters and to Indiana to spend time with his three siblings and other family members.
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and received a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in mass communication from Indiana University.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Fran, and his parents, Albert and Frances Terhune. He is survived by his sister, Jeannine, and two brothers, John, and Joe and his wife, Nancy; and his three children, Betsy Kelberlau and her husband, Tom; Susan; and Chad and his wife, B.J.; and two granddaughters, Natalie and Gillian.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, January 7, at 11 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 W. Newberry Road, Gainesville, with Dr. David Chauncey officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Meadows Central, 4100 NW 39th Ave. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at the Williams-Thomas Funeral home at 823 NW 143rd St, Newberry, on Monday, January 6, from 4-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Westside Foundation Mission Scholarship, at the address above; or to the Taylor University Scholarship Fund, 1846 Main St., Upland, IN 46989. Please visit Jim’s memorial page at williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
