James Duncan Robertson

James Duncan Robertson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of French in the Department of English and World Languages at Augusta University, died peacefully in his sleep on November 26, 2023 at his home in Augusta, GA, after a long illness. A memorial service will be held after the holidays.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Susan Kosman Robertson, and his sons Michael and David. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Eric.

Duncan was born to William D. Robertson and Liza Tencer Robertson on March 14, 1944 in Kingston, Ontario, and grew up near New Haven, CT. He received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his doctorate from Princeton University.

He taught at the University of Michigan and the University of San Francisco before joining the faculty of Augusta University in 1990, where he taught French, Latin, and Spanish until retiring in 2010. He was the author of The Medieval Saints’ Lives and Lectio Divina: The Medieval Experience of Reading, and a co-editor of The Vernacular Spirit: Essays on Medieval French Literature. His writings continue to be quoted by medieval scholars. While his specialty was medieval studies, his scholarship and interests spanned the literature and culture of many countries and eras. He provided inspiration to both students and faculty.

He was a generous and gentle person. He was much loved and admired by his fellow members of the Alliance Française. He was fluent in several languages and advocated reading texts in their original languages. He was an avid amateur musician who played piano and guitar and was a member of several choirs.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta on January 9th at 3pm. The family wishes to acknowledge the support of friends, family, hospice, and volunteers, which made it possible for Duncan to remain at home until his passing.