The Pfeiffer University community mourns the loss of Dr. James L. Pazun, a longtime and deeply respected member of the Pfeiffer University faculty. Dr. Pazun passed away on January 13, 2026.

Dr. Pazun joined the University in 1994 as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics. Through his dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service, he advanced steadily through the academic ranks, ultimately earning promotion to Associate Professor and later Professor of Chemistry and Physics, the rank from which he retired.

During his years at Pfeiffer, Dr. Pazun held several key leadership roles, including service as Head of the School of Natural and Health Sciences, Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department, and Director of Online Learning, where he helped guide academic programs, strengthen departmental initiatives, and shape the University’s early efforts in digital education.

“I had the fortune to begin my career at Pfeiffer University in August of 1994 with Jim Pazun. He became a valued and trusted colleague who was willing to embrace innovative ideas and practices in his classes. His leadership of the Southern Piedmont Educational Consortium for more than a decade helped challenge and prepare students as well as expose them to new experiences in a college setting,” reflected Dr. Mark McCallum, Professor of Biology and Director of Academic Initiatives.

In May 2013, Dr. Pazun took medical retirement. In a message to colleagues dated May 8, 2013, he expressed his hope to continue contributing by teaching an occasional online course, even though he could no longer serve full-time. His dedication to his students and to the University remained strong throughout this transition.

Dr. Pazun’s academic background reflected the same commitment to excellence that marked his time at Pfeiffer. He earned his B.S. from Gannon University in 1985 and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh in 1991.

Former students remember Dr. Pazun not only for his academic rigor, but also for his compassion and mentorship.

“Dr. Pazun was more than just a professor at Pfeiffer University, he was my mentor, confidant, counselor, and friend. Dr. Pazun’s door was always open for any student needing help in science classes or just needing prayer. He would pray with me often and he truly helped shape me as a student and leader on campus. His leadership, guidance, and friendship was one-of-a-kind and helped me during my college years and beyond,” recalls Wynter Sexton ’99.

Echoing Sexton’s sentiment, Dr. Cathy Benson Laws ’02 said, “Dr. Pazun was a rare and remarkable example of a brilliant professor and scientist whose intellectual rigor was matched by genuine kindness as a mentor. His unwavering faith in God shaped not only his scholarship, but also the way he cared for us as students.”

The Pfeiffer community will remember Dr. Pazun as a thoughtful teacher, a steady leader, and a generous colleague whose work strengthened the University’s academic mission in countless ways. We are grateful for his nearly two decades of service and the lasting impact he made on students, faculty, and the broader campus community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Pazun’s family, friends, former students, and all who knew him. At this time, arrangements have not been announced.