In Memoriam
It is with profound sadness that we report the death of the following RRA members. The RRA is honored to recognize these outstanding members for their dedication to the association and to the field. Please note that this information is only that which has been volunteered to us by colleagues, friends, and family. Please email the Executive Office to share additional information on a deceased member.
James Davidson, Jr. (1942–2022)
RRA Member Mary Gautier offered the following reflection on the passing of James Davidson:
James D. Davidson, Jr. (“Jim”), longtime member of SSSR and former president of RRA (2007), passed away on May 22, 2022 at age 79. Jim was instrumental in building a highly regarded sociology of religion program at Purdue University, where he taught for more than 40 years. His research focused on religion and social inequality. He studied the sources and consequences of religious commitment, generational changes in the beliefs and practices of American Catholics, the history of religious stratification in the United States, and the dual role religious groups play in their communities, in some cases perpetuating social inequality and in others fostering social equality. Jim was author or co-author of nine well-received books on these subjects.
We regret the passing of the following RRA members:
John Philip O’Hara (1945–2022)
William H. Swatos, Jr. (1946-2020)
Wade Clark Roof (1939-2019)
Richard Gorsuch (1937-2016)
Jeffrey William Rexhausen (1950-2019)