Comments on: Beloved professor Jay B. Landis ’54 leaves deep legacy

By: Jim Alexander

Jim Alexander — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 04:05:54 +0000

I was not an English major, but still respected his patience for those of us who were on a different pathway.
His wife tried to teach me Latin in High School, her forbearance is still remembered some 50 years later. I had no talent for foreign language, but she had a talent for caring for her students!

By: Richard J Lichty

Richard J Lichty — Fri, 29 May 2020 21:41:45 +0000

Peggy and your family, and to all those who knew him as professor or colleague, I feel like an intruder in writing here, for I never had him as a teacher when I was on campus from 1958-1962. But Jay would not have minded, rather welcomed my memory of him. There was never a time we met on campus, when as a student, or many times as a returning alumnus, even decades later, that Jay did not stop to greet me–whether in a brief exchange or longer chat–with his special gift of making one feel significant in his life. He was a unique friend in the true meaning of the word. Thanks, Jay, for the memories.

By: Jeff Doyle

Jeff Doyle — Thu, 28 May 2020 17:20:28 +0000

He was a good man. I am so thankful to see him honored by others in this forum and others. As a non-Mennonite working at EMU from 1994-1998, I was felt like a valuable part of the family when I was with him. He was so encouraging and uplifting to be around – something most people struggle to do as much as they age.

By: Grace Wyse Songolo Laffoon

Grace Wyse Songolo Laffoon — Tue, 26 May 2020 17:17:28 +0000

Peggy, here’s you old high schoolr classmate.
I am so sorry about losing wonderful Jay you and to this world to which he has contributed so much. of course, he was all our favorite teacher. I love the photo at the top of this post – years later from when I knew him, but the perfect capture of who he was.
I love knowing that you lived for a while in “our” house, just above Ira Miller.
Though we have lost touch, we were once dear friends., and I have good memories of that time.
please know how much I feel for you adjusting to this new and very different life you will have.
I know you must be overwhelmed with loving and caring family and friends right now, but if you ever have a chance, I would love to make contact with you again.

By: Kirk L Shisler

Kirk L Shisler — Thu, 21 May 2020 12:30:05 +0000

Jay Landis was a true friend and beloved mentor. When I switched majors to English at the end of my sophomore year he (and his colleagues) welcomed me with open arms and keen guidance. Only 8 days before he passed, Jay and I enjoyed an email exchange on T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Waste Land” and its thematic relevance in these difficult times. Thank you, dear Jay, for sharing your generous spirit as a blessing upon countless EMU students and Alumni.

Kirk L Shisler 81
vice president for advancement
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