Justin Skirry
Dr. Justin Skirry was born on August 23rd 1967 and passed away on Sunday, August 30th. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Skirry (McGlynn) and his two sons, Samuel and Charles Skirry.
Justin received his Doctor of Philosophy from Purdue University in 2003. He taught at Emory University, William Paterson University of New Jersey, and Saint Xavier University at Chicago before spending the majority of his teaching career at Nebraska Wesleyan University beginning in 2006. He wrote in several academic journals and published two books: “Descartes and the Metaphysics of Human Nature,” and “Descartes: A Guide for the Perplexed.” Justin was always learning and in the months leading up to his death he was studying Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to begin his own translations of ancient texts and to educate his students. He was Chair of the Philosophy & Religion Department, and Faculty President at various points during his career teaching at Nebraska Wesleyan. He believed strongly in the importance of education and academia as a career. Dr. Skirry successfully fought for faculty unionization at Nebraska Wesleyan University and worked hard to ensure his fellow professors were protected and represented.
Justin was an avid reader and movie watcher. He will be remembered by his sense of humor, his ability to make friends with anyone, and his love of the San Francisco Giants.
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Condolences for Justin Skirry
Justin was an esteemed and invaluable colleague. Whatever happened on our campus–and something was always happening–he kept his head, and not all of us did. He was always willing to step up for any and all committee assignments, for which the rest of us in his division were always grateful. He was also a low-keyed but dependable scholarly presence–I remember a presentation he gave on Descartes, for example. I particularly appreciated his leadership of the Science and Religion thread, for which I taught a couple of courses. The participating faculty had a small reading & discussion group,, and on one occasion Justin led us through Wittgenstein’s “On Certainty”–that’s how brave a man he was! He will be missed.
Justin was a dear friend of mine. We met online in my writing server and bonded over our shared love of books. He was smart, so funny, and gave great “big bro” or “funcle” energy. He always checked in to see how my husband and I were doing, and he had nothing but the kindest, most loving things to say about his family.
Justin was a truly wonderful person during a time when wonderful people are hard to come by, and I will miss him.
Justin was such a vibrant person with incredible imagination, a thirst for knowledge, and an openness to perspectives. I’m grateful for his beautiful soul and wisdom.
I think, that I can say truthfully, that Justin accomplished a life that was full and accomplished. Even though he departed so young. Having spent many years teaching, I’m sure that he made a distinct impression on many students. He had integrity and a keen intellect. Although we lived in different parts of the country and only spoke here and there, he was my friend and will be missed. Would there were more like him. My sincerest condolences to Sarah, Sam, and Charlie.
From the time I first held him in my arms his father & I knew he was special. His smiles and his voice were always so warm. All I can say is, he will be missed everyday for the rest of my life.
Mom
Justin was an outstanding faculty president and champion of the liberal arts who fought hard for faculty rights and academic freedom. I will always be grateful for his fearless honesty when dealing with institutional power. His sly sense of humor managed to make the fight enjoyable. And if I had a question about European philosophy, I got insight from Justin. My heart goes out to Sarah, Sam, and Charlie.