WILMINGTON — John Walker Myers, 78, died (or as John would say, “shuffled off in his mortal coil,”) unexpectedly Sunday, July 26, 2020. He was born in Rochester, New York, to Ford A. and Lois (Meyer) Myers and lived in Wilmington from 1980 until his death.
Dr. Myers and his family came to Wilmington in 1980 from Wilmington, Delaware, where he pursued a Ph.D. in the History of Art at the University of Delaware. He received an undergraduate degree in history from Hobart and William Smith in 1964 and an M.A. Degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1970. In 1969, Myers received a Danforth Teaching Internship, which allowed him to gain experience in teaching at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. Before seeking a Ph.D., he taught at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh from 1970 to 1974.
Dr. John Walker Myers, emeritus associate professor of art history, came to UNCW in 1980 as the sole art historian on staff. Dr. Myers taught full time at UNCW for 26 years, retiring in 2006, but continued teaching part-time until 2016. During his tenure, he also served as chair of the department of art, music and theatre from 1990 to 1996 and as associate director of the honors scholars program from 2002 to 2006. In 2002, he was privileged to direct the honors semester abroad at the University of Swansea, Wales. Dr. Myers was instrumental in founding the art history major in his department and fostering the creation of a digital image database to be used in teaching art and art history.
He was also honored in 2005 with the establishment of The John Walker Myers Scholarship in Art History. He loved teaching, advising students and watching them grow intellectually during their four years at UNCW. His favorite saying was, “Old professors never die, they just grade away.”
Dr. Myers was also dedicated to community service, serving as secretary, member of the board, and then president of the board of directors of St. John’s Museum (now the Cameron Art Museum). He also served on the Wilmington Arts Council. Dr. Myers has published scholarly articles and essays on the visual arts in southeastern North Carolina, American landscape painter Aaron Draper Shattuck and Wilmington artist Minnie Evans.
In retirement, he continued an interest in scholarship and part-time teaching, volunteered at the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum, served as a docent at the museum and taught courses in the Museum School. Dr. Myers also volunteered at the Leland Community Arts Center and Brunswick Family Assistance Food Pantry. He attended, sang in the choir and served as lay reader at Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
Dr. Myers was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, the Rev. Barbara (Myers) and Paul Humphrey; and nephew, Austin White.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sally; son, Richard, and his partner, Ray, and granddaughter, Ava, of Summerville, South Carolina; and son, Marc of Bolivia.
A celebration of Myers’ life will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church at a date to be determined.
The family would also like to thank neighbors Laura and George, who quickly began CPR and the quick response from Brunswick County’s EMS, Fire Department and sheriff’s office for their quick, efficient and focused response as each person tried in vain to assist John. We also want to thank the many neighbors who brought out umbrellas to shade the workers from the relentless sun. There are not enough words to express our gratitude to all of these amazing people.
Memorials may be made to the John and Sally Myers Art History Scholarship, c/o University Advancement, UNCW 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
