James C. Windsor, 83, died on Sunday, April 3, 2016.
Jim was born on August 11, 1932, in Scarbro, W.Va. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was decorated with a Naval Commendation, with ‘V’ for Valor, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of William & Mary; an M.Div. in philosophy and theology from Colgate Rochester Divinity School; M.S. in clinical psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University; and his doctorate (D.Ed.) from the University of Virginia. Christopher Newport University awarded him an honorary LL.D. degree in 1989.
Dr. Windsor joined Christopher Newport College as a faculty member in 1962, founding the psychology department. Along with creating the institution’s evening college and summer school, he also founded the counseling center. He later served as dean of students before becoming president of the college. His tenure as president, from 1970 to 1980, was a time of significant growth and development for the college.
In 1971, Christopher Newport became a senior, fully accredited college. It became independent of the College of William & Mary, its sponsoring institution, in 1977. As a professor of psychology, Dr. Windsor continued teaching classes during his tenure as president. He was a professor of psychology, emeritus, and had received the Distinguished Service Medallion from Christopher Newport University.
Upon leaving the university, he was president of Personal Development Institute, a counseling and educational organization in Williamsburg for 15 years before retiring. He continued to teach for several years as an adjunct professor at Thomas Nelson Community College.
Active in the mental health movement, Dr. Windsor was appointed to several board and commissions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He served as chairman of the State Mental Health Board and chairman of the Board of Rehabilitative Services, and for several years, he was chairman of the board of the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Foundation. Dr. Windsor received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Mental Health, and a Resolution of Commendation from Governor Baliles.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Laurent Windsor; their two children, and their spouses, James L. Windsor and wife, Kay Hardy Windsor, and Robin Windsor Rice, and husband, Stephen J. Rice; grandchildren, Jay Windsor, Anne Taylor Windsor, Tyler Windsor, Sarah Rice, Sam Rice, Spencer Rice and Emma Rice.
Jim’s life will be honored at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, by family and friends at the Williamsburg Community Chapel, Williamsburg, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank the numerous dedicated caregivers from Nurturing Hearts, Morningside of Williamsburg and Gentiva Hospice for their care and support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christopher Newport University, or the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Foundation.
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