Lemke’s influence at Coker extended far past his classrooms. Always an avid golfer, he began work as an assistant golf coach for the Cobras in 2006, focusing primarily on the mental aspects of the game. Using his knowledge of psychology and golf combined with his natural warmth and caring, “Doc” became a mentor for countless golfers. Lemke also spearheaded Coker’s annual Celebration of Academics (now named the Dr. James W. Lemke
gram at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., and a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Sigma Alpha and Pi Gamma Mu. But it isn’t his awards and honors that will ensure his legacy at Coker and beyond. Many will remember his dry sense of humor that was equally as sharp as his mind, or his tendency to launch erasers at students who had fallen asleep in class. One former student recalled the time Lemke, upon spotting a student
Celebration of Academics in his memory), a campuswide event showcasing scholarship in the liberal arts and sciences, since its inception in 2011. The threeday event, featuring student-faculty research, service-learning project presentations and more, represented everything that Lemke valued about Coker. These are just a few examples of the many ways Lemke left his mark at Coker. “The most important contribution I made to Coker College during my three years of service was leading the successful recruitment of Professor Jim Lemke,” said Rick Wells, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and former Coker professor. “Professor Lemke, more than anyone else, was most responsible for the founding and high quality development of Coker College's social sciences. He was deeply devoted to the college and four decades of students.” Lemke’s dedication did not go unrecognized. In April 2013, he was honored with the South Carolina Independent Colleges and University’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Among many other honors, he was also named a Master Professor at Coker College, a Visiting Professor of the Preventive Diplomacy Pro-
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Lemke’s loss was felt, and will continue to be felt, deeply across the Coker community and beyond. “There are no words to describe the loss Jim’s parting creates for Harriet, his family, Coker, and the Hartsville community,” said president Dr. Robert Wyatt. “It is not an understatement to say that his influence touches nearly every aspect of our institution.” Lemke’s reach extends so far not because he valued a classic liberal arts education, but because he brought it to life. He lived his values every day of his life—and in the lives of each person he touched, they will live on.
skipping class out on the Bell Tower Lawn, opened a window to call out and summon him back to class (and it worked). But more than anything, Lemke will be remembered for the strength of his character. He will be remembered for his kindness, his caring, and how he welcomed anyone into his (meticulously clean and organized) office. “We loved him for his passion, we loved him for his grit, we loved his sense of humor, we loved his sense of loyalty, and we loved him because we knew he was fully vested in our lives,” said Jason Perkey ’97. At the heart of each anecdote and memory of Lemke lies one simple, common thread: He
T HE OFFICIA L M AG A ZINE OF COKER COL L EG E, H A RT S V IL L E, S .C .
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“Jim was the intellectual heart of the college. Not only because he was remarkably intelligent, but because of his fervent belief in the transformative effects of a liberal arts education."
cared. “The Jim Lemke that I loved was more passionate about listening than lecturing,” said Malloy. "He was more passionate about building bridges than taking territory. And he loved talking about tearing down walls.”