James G. Schmolze, a well-known professor in the Tufts Computer Science Department, died suddenly on Feb. 27, 2006 from complications of pancreatic cancer.
Schmozle had been on medical leave since Sept. 2005.
An Associate Professor of Computer Science, Schmolze specialized in artificial intelligence.
Schmolze, known as Jim, served as Department Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from 2000-2002.
He received his Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Buffalo and his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
"It's ironic that Jim Schmolze was a specialist in the field of artificial intelligence," said Dean of the University College Robert Hollister. "He clearly had such high levels of social and emotional, as well as analytical, forms of intelligence."
Students lauded Schmolze's personable and engaging teaching style.
Alumnus Simon Holroyd (E '04), described the impact Schmolze had on his educational experience at Tufts.
"Professor Schmolze taught both my first and last computer science class[es] and was therefore instrumental in shaping my coursework at Tufts, and now my career path in general." Holroyd said. "For me, he was one of the few professors at Tufts I could call a friend as well as a teacher."
Holroyd said that engaging teaching methods were a hallmark of Schmolze's teaching.
"In his COMP 50 class on cognitive science, which melded computer science, philosophy and psychology, he led spirited and entertaining debates over the future of artificial intelligence and even took the class on a field trip to see Matrix Revolutions," Holroyd said.
Schmolze also served as a faculty fellow in the University College in the 2003-04 school year.
"Jim embodied a set of values that define what's best about Tufts - dedication to his students, investment in his own research, and deep commitment to his colleagues and to the University," Dean Hollister said.
"I admire that he strove for and achieved real balance in his life - commitment to professional excellence and even greater commitment to his family and community," Hollister added.
During his time at the University College, he worked with the Computer Sciences department to incorporate analysis of the social consequences of advances in computing in the curriculum.
He also initiated the design of a course on the social impact of computing and a program in which well-trained Tufts students will teach computer science applications to an under-served population in Somerville.
Additional faculty could not be reached to discuss Schmolze at press time.
According to a notice that ran in the Boston Globe on Mar. 1, Schmolze was also a longtime member of the First Unitarian Society in Newton. He served on its Board of Trustees and was actively involved with youth programs in social justice work.
Schmolze is survived by his wife Alice Nichols and sons Dustin and Kyle Nichols-Schmolze, as well as brother William Schmolze and his family.
A memorial service took place Mar. 5 at 2:00 PM at the First Unitarian Society in Newton, 1326 Washington St., West Newton.
Plans for a memorial service at Tufts are in the works, and will be announced on the School of Engineering Web site.
Additional coverage of Schmolze will appear following the upcoming memorial service.
