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Spirit_Room_James_Council_1.jpg

July 15, 1954 – July 19, 2019

James “Jim” Council, 65, passed away on July 19, 2019, at his home in Fargo, ND. Jim was born to James and Lola Council on July 15, 1954 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Maryland with his parents and sister, Kathleen. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Susan (Lee) Council. After earning his BS in Psychology, the couple moved to Connecticut where Jim earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Connecticut, Storrs.

In 1985, Susie and Jim moved to North Dakota, where Jim accepted a faculty position in the Department of Psychology at North Dakota State University. Jim held many different positions throughout his 31 years at NDSU. In addition to being a teacher and a researcher, he served at different times as a department chair, Associate Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, and the Dean of the Libraries. His academic interests included hypnosis and the history of psychology. Jim

was an academic mentor to many people throughout the years of teaching and conducting research. He served on the Board of Directors for the Fargo Public Library, in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Spirit Room.

Jim was the epitome of a Renaissance man. He appreciated all kinds of music, from Beethoven to European house music (granted, he couldn’t stay awake for most operas). He was a voracious reader, as familiar with Stephen King’s works as Shakespeare’s oeuvre. In short, Jim was the kind of guy you really wanted to have on your bar trivia team. He was also an outdoorsman – he loved camping, sailing, hiking, canoeing, and hunting. He biked to work almost every day, regardless of rain, snow, or shine. Above all, Jim loved new experiences. He and Susie traveled abroad and around the United States. Wherever he went, he would seek out an art museum, a local beer, and new types of food to try.

Jim will be remembered for his honesty, his passion for knowledge, and his unique sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Susie, his son Gregory Council, his daughter Elizabeth Council, and his sister, Kathleen Mosier. He will be sorely missed by his three cats: White Kitty, Squeeks, and Wicket.

Memorials may be directed to NDSU’s Department of Psychology, The Spirit Room, or The Fargo Public Library.

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