James Abbington in a video for Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. (Video screen grab)
The ISM community was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. James (Jimmie) Abbington on Saturday, September 27. His loss will be felt profoundly within the academic and musical communities.
Dr. Abbington was a visiting professor at the ISM from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology for the last two spring terms where he taught a survey course in Christian Hymnody. He had recently resigned from his position at Candler to take up the Joseph B. Bethea Professor of the Practice of Sacred Music and Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School, a role he was to begin this term.
Dr. Abbington’s career as an editor, teacher, performer, author, clinician, and mentor was illustrious. The success of the African American Church Music series which he directed, and the African American Heritage Hymnal which he edited, were among his many achievements. He also played a significant role in the life of Nathaniel Gumbs, former director of music at Marquand Chapel, whom he mentored and encouraged to apply to Yale.
Jimmie underwent open-heart surgery in July. Although the surgery was successful, he sustained a massive stroke during the procedure. Despite regaining consciousness after being kept in a medically induced coma, his system could not fully recover. He died surrounded by family and friends.
ISM director Martin Jean, began his friendship with Jimmie while they were both in their early 20’s, studying organ together at the University of Michigan. They subsequently collaborated on numerous projects including the Congregations Project summer seminar.
“I would sit in amazement as Jimmie would expound with fact after fact about the rich traditions of American church music,” Professor Jean reminisces. “He truly had an encyclopedic knowledge of this material as well as a mission to teach others about its many beauties and complexities.”
The void left by Dr. Abbington’s passing is immense, but the profound impact of his life on others will continue to bear fruit for years to come.
