Missouri Southern students and faculty mourn the death of Dr. James Shaver, professor of business.

Shaver started teaching at Southern in 1989. He received the Governor’s Award of Excellence in Teaching in 1992 and also received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1993. Shaver was also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association, and the Missouri Society of CPAs. He also belonged to Beta Gamma Sigma, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and Golden Key National Honor Society. Shaver served three years in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1964. Shaver was a newspaper editor in Searcy, Ark.

Dr. Beverly Block, professor of business, said Shaver was helpful not only to students but also the instructors. She said Shaver “was a computer whiz” and helped faculty members when needed.

Block said Shaver took over the Accounting and Career Day, which he used as a tool to recruit accounting students from high school.

“Dr. Shaver was a professor’s professor,” said Jim Gray, dean of the school business.

Shaver was well known in the community and academic world. His students came first, and he would do what was necessary for his students to achieve success, Gray said.

“He was a motivator,” he said.

Kim Brown, Accounting Club president and senior accounting major, said Shaver “was always willing to go above and beyond to help all his students.”

“He helped all students whether it be finding an internship, a job or just enrolling in classes,” Brown said.

Brown spoke at Shaver’s memorial.

Bonnie Stutesman, senior accounting major, worked closely beside Shaver as a grader.

“He is going to be very difficult to replace,” she said. “He was very influential to me.” She explained Shaver helped her decide to be an accounting major.

Aaron Myers, senior accounting major, had class with Shaver during this spring semester. Myers said after Shaver died, Dr. William Huffman, assistant professor of business, took over the duty of teaching Shaver’s class.

“He was a good teacher,” Myers said.

Shaver was born July 2, 1941, and was raised in Van Buren, Ark. He attended Van Buren High School and graduated in 1959.

Shaver attended the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1974 with a bachelor of science. in accounting. He then attended Louisiana Tech University and graduated with a master’s degree in business administration. Thereafter, he achieved his doctorate in business administration in 1985.

Prior to teaching at Southern, Shaver taught at a number of different universities, including Southwest Missouri State University, Northeast Louisiana State University, Southern Arkansas University and Baylor University.

As an instructor, Shaver wrote many articles that were published in academic journals and presented at conferences.

Shaver died at 9:39 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003, at the age of 61.

Shaver was survived by his son Paul Shaver and his daughter Ashley Davis. He was also survived by his two brothers William and Perry Shaver and four grandchildren.

Shaver’s memorial service was held by the Mason Woodard Mortuary at Mathews Hall March 10 and was officiated by Jim Gray.

“We just miss him a lot,” Block said.