Obituary for Dr. James Chacko PhD
With heartfelt sadness, the family announces that Dr. James Chacko Ph. D. passed away peacefully in hospital, at age 87, with family by his side, on December 23, 2022, after a brief illness. Loving husband of Judy Burns for 48 years. Cherished father of James, Jelena, Juliet Wallace (William) and Scott. Very proud grandfather of Hudson and Dutch. Predeceased by his devoted parents, supportive brother and three caring sisters in Kerala, India. He will be sadly missed by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In 1958, at the age of 22, after completing a B.A. degree in Economics in India, he was invited to study at Laval University in Quebec City where he obtained both a B.S.S. and M.S.S. degree. Following frontline social work roles, he completed a Ph.D. from the U. of Toronto. He was the recipient of a number of academic awards. He began his academic career as a Professor at Laurentian U. in Sudbury. He then moved to Thunder Bay where he made a significant contribution as the first Director of the School of Social Work at Lakehead U. In 1981, he became Director of the School of Social Work at the U. of Windsor. While at the U. of Windsor, he also served in other positions, including Executive Director of the Centre for Canadian-American Studies and Director of the Data Bank Research Group and Social Science Research Unit/Data Bank. Additional professional activity included Mediation, Research and Consulting. Some activity related to the social services sector, while other projects examined issues which impact the extent to which individuals and groups have equal opportunity. He was a volunteer and active member of the Windsor community, including with Rotary. He served as a Board member with the local Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Mental Health Association. As well, he was a member of the Ontario Premier’s Council on Health, Wellbeing & Social Justice, Equity and Access, a Board member of the Ontario Mental Health Foundation and a member of the Ontario Inter-Ministry Advisory Committee on Community Economic Development, to name some.
He was philosophical and thoughtful. He enjoyed preparing delicious meals and sharing them with family and friends. He strove to be a positive influence in the lives of his family and friends. Let us remember to wish each other Peace throughout the year. He will always be in our hearts and minds.
A private family service and interment have taken place. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor.
In 1958, at the age of 22, after completing a B.A. degree in Economics in India, he was invited to study at Laval University in Quebec City where he obtained both a B.S.S. and M.S.S. degree. Following frontline social work roles, he completed a Ph.D. from the U. of Toronto. He was the recipient of a number of academic awards. He began his academic career as a Professor at Laurentian U. in Sudbury. He then moved to Thunder Bay where he made a significant contribution as the first Director of the School of Social Work at Lakehead U. In 1981, he became Director of the School of Social Work at the U. of Windsor. While at the U. of Windsor, he also served in other positions, including Executive Director of the Centre for Canadian-American Studies and Director of the Data Bank Research Group and Social Science Research Unit/Data Bank. Additional professional activity included Mediation, Research and Consulting. Some activity related to the social services sector, while other projects examined issues which impact the extent to which individuals and groups have equal opportunity. He was a volunteer and active member of the Windsor community, including with Rotary. He served as a Board member with the local Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Mental Health Association. As well, he was a member of the Ontario Premier’s Council on Health, Wellbeing & Social Justice, Equity and Access, a Board member of the Ontario Mental Health Foundation and a member of the Ontario Inter-Ministry Advisory Committee on Community Economic Development, to name some.
He was philosophical and thoughtful. He enjoyed preparing delicious meals and sharing them with family and friends. He strove to be a positive influence in the lives of his family and friends. Let us remember to wish each other Peace throughout the year. He will always be in our hearts and minds.
A private family service and interment have taken place. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor.