Dr. James "Jim" Arnold Verbrugge

Dr. James (Jim) Arnold Verbrugge was born August 14, 1940 and died June 10, 2024. He was born in Leota, MN to parents James Verbrugge and Jennie Jongetjes Verbrugge. He attended elementary and high school in local Christian schools in Leota and Edgerton, MN. During his high school years, Jim met his future bride, Marcia Burdell Roskamp, whom he married on August 21, 1962. Jim and Marcia enjoyed more than 61 years together.

Jim attended Dordt Junior College in Sioux Center, IA for two years. He then transferred to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI where he graduated in 1963 with an undergraduate degree in Economics. He then attended the University of Kentucky, earning his MA in Economics in 1965 and his PhD in Economics in 1968.

After his education, Jim accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Georgia in the fall of 1968 where he spent his entire academic career, retiring in 2002 as Professor and GA Banking Association Chair of Banking. During his tenure at UGA, he served as Department Head of Banking and Finance for 25 years.

Outside of his academic career, Jim developed a passion for and expertise in the collection of antique rugs from the Caucasus, SW Persia and Central Asia regions. He and Marcia held public exhibitions of these rugs at the UGA Museum and the Calvin College Museum of Fine Arts as well as an online exhibition in collaboration with the UGA Museum.

Jim was a founding member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Athens and served many roles during his time there. He was an avid golfer and gardener. After retirement, Jim and Marcia enjoyed traveling the world.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three older sisters – Elizabeth Van’t Hof, Marie Schelhaas and Lorraine Van Nieuwenhuizen – and a son, Jason Mark Verbrugge. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; son Ross Michael Verbrugge; daughter-in-law Susan Webb Verbrugge; grandson Jacob Tyler Verbrugge; and granddaughter Kinsey Webb Verbrugge. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, June 15 at 10 AM in the chapel at Presbyterian Village of Athens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Downton Ministries of Athens, 165 Pulaski Street, Athens, GA 30601 (www.downtownministries.org).

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com