Professor James M. Bingham

With great sadness, the Department of Geography and Geology announces the passing of James Morris Bingham, Assistant Professor of Geography, at the age of 67. Jim was born in Saltillo, Tennessee in 1941 and is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He earned a B. S. in Geography, History and Political Science from Memphis State University in 1963, remaining at MSU to complete a Master's in Geography in 1965. His thesis titled " Northwest Hardin County: A Study in Industrial Development" presaged Jim's lifelong interest in planning and economic development. He arrived at WKU in the summer of 1965 as a geography instructor and taught a number of general education and planning-related courses over the following five years.

In 1970, Jim received a teaching assistantship from Indiana State University to pursue a Ph.D. in economic geography. Although Jim only spent two years in the program at ISU, the experience and coursework broadened his academic skills and he arrived back at WKU in 1972 to take up an appointment as Assistant Professor in Geography, receiving tenure in 1977.

Over the years, Jim teamed with former Department Head Wayne Hoffman on dozens of research projects related to city and regional planning, not only through the Center for Local Government, but through partnerships with local and regional government agencies. He published as author or co-author several articles and planning reports, presented his research findings regularly at regional and national meetings and received funding support from numerous local, state and federal agencies, especially in the 1980s. Jim contributed to his department , college and community in myriad ways over the past 40 years, serving on innumerable committees, advising WKU's Gamma Theta Epsilon chapter, and working with area P-12 schools to promote geographic awareness and science education.

Jim loved teaching and was widely appreciated as a tough by fair professor who always went out of his way to help a student if the student showed a willingness to improve.

In recent years, Jim suffered several health challenges and he opted for transitional retirement in June 2007. Jim was an engaging teacher, a feisty character, and a lifelong geographer. He believed in challenging students to rise above their own expectations and he pushed them to change the world. He will be sadly missed by friends and colleagues.