James Lee Guernsey

            James Lee Guernsey passed away Friday evening, June 26, 2009, in Tallahassee.

He was born June 22, 1923, in Henryville, Indiana. Lee grew up on the family dairy farm and graduated from Henryville High School in 1941. He received his bachelor's of science from Indiana Teachers College in 1947, his master's of arts from Indiana University in 1948, and his doctorate from Northwestern University in 1953.

            His teaching career began at the University of Louisville and he retired professor emeritus of geography from Indiana State University in 1988. Other professional accomplishments include establishing state and national land use policies, co-authoring two books and making numerous contributions to textbooks, encyclopedias and periodicals.

            He served in the United States Army-Air Force from 1943 until 1945. He was a licensed private pilot as flying was one of his great passions.

            Lee and Ruth Guernsey lived and raised their family in Terre Haute, Indiana from 1956 until 1988. They originally bought a vacation home on St. George Island in 1971, and retired permanently to the island in 1988, becoming on integral part of the island community and attending the First Baptist Church.

            Lee treasured his life and relationships. A true humanitarian, he inspired and touched the lives of his family, friends, and students. He will be greatly missed.

            A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Guernsey; his sister, Mary Basham; son, Ernest Thomas Guernsey, and wife Stefanie, of Tampa; daughter, Carol June Bate and husband, Bruce of Hartwell, GA; granddaughters, Dinelle Pettitt and Annette Karlsberg; great-grandson, Daylin Pettitt; and great-granddaughter, Aubrey Pettitt.

            A celebration of his life was held Monday, June 29 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of St. George Island with Rev. Mike Whaley officiating.