In loving memory of
James Gustafson

• July 01, 1946
• -
• February 09, 2023

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Jim grew up in Chicago before leaving for sunshine and golf in Central Florida.  In 1966, Jim heard John Logan’s “Three Moves” recited in a college class, and that moment changed his view of poetry, the world, and himself.  After college, he returned to Chicago, met Connie, and earned an M. Div. from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University.  With Connie by his side, Jim spent time in churches, board rooms, radio stations, and golf pro shops before returning to the classroom where he most belonged.  He earned an MFA from the University of Tampa and began teaching Creative Writing at Florida Gulf Coast University and World Religions at Florida Southwestern.  And he wrote–   When we’ve come farther than we have to go (Big Table 2022), Friar Fred’s Diary (Big Table 2018), Unassisted Living (Big Table 2017), Driving Home (Aldrich Press 2013), and Take Fun Seriously (Limitless Press 2006).  His work has appeared in Rattle, The Red Wheelbarrow Review, The Main Street Rag, Another Chicago, and Tishman Review.  In honor of Jim, a fund has been established