Memorials
A. J. Koinm
Professor of English

This is my play's last scene; here heavens appoint
My pilgrimage's last mile; and my race,
Idly, yet quickly run, hath this last pace,
My span's last inch, my minute's latest point;
And gluttonous death will instantly unjoint
My body and my soul, and I shall sleep a space;
But my ever-waking part shall see that face
Whose fear already shakes my every joint.
Then, as my soul to heaven, her first seat, takes flight,
And earth-born body in the earth shall dwell,
So fall my sins, that all may have their right,
To where they are bred, and would press me, to hell.
Impute me righteous, thus purg'd of evil,
For thus I leave the world, the flesh, the devil. John Donne ("Holy Sonnets: This is My Play's Last Scene")

January 27, 1939 - January 28, 2000

John Donne was one of A.J.'s favorite poets; he particularly liked the "Holy Sonnets."
A.J. enjoyed all aspects of our discipline's milieu and was a participant in the numerous activities of our department, from advising freshmen to promoting and attending Sigma Tau Delta endeavors. He was an encouraging force to those who around him, taking particular pleasure in helping new colleagues establish a foundation within our department.

A.J. joined the SHSU faculty in 1971 after receiving his doctorate in 1968 from the University of Texas, where he had been a teaching assistant. During his 29-year tenure at Sam Houston he maintained membership in several professional organizations focusing on science, history, and English disciplines.

A.J. was a teacher and probably taught every course our department offered at one time or another. Although he taught a wide range of courses, one course he developed best defines A.J. "The Bible as Literature," a course he taught each year to a full house of students, was a favorite of his. Unquestionably A.J. had an impact on this audience, for there were only comments of praise for the course and for his teaching.

A.J. liked you and he liked me. He seemed always interested in what you were doing and encouraged you in your endeavors. And I know his voice brightened when you asked about Ruth. A.J. was a caring colleague; he cared about the reputation of our department and cared about our students and his colleagues. He gave to each of us and to all of us. We each keep personal A.J. moments as permanent parts of our lives.

Memorials: Ruth Koinm has requested that memorials for A.J. be in the form of donations to the COME (Community/Christian Organization for Ministry Endeavors) Center, a Huntsville charity that provides assistance to people in need.

Donations can be either mailed to the COME Center at P.O. Box 1965, Huntsville, TX 77342 or taken to Vicki Bailey, president of the COME Center, at the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville, 1016 Sam Houston Avenue.