Dr. James D. Orcutt, PhD

James (Jim) D. Orcutt, age 82, died peacefully at home in Tallahassee on February 25, 2026, after a long illness. His wife and devoted caregiver, Annette, was at his side, along with his brother-in-law, Ray, and sister-in-law, Pat. Jim was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Doris Orcutt, and siblings David Orcutt and Phyllis Bergeson. He is survived by his sister, Kate Capps; wife, Annette Schwabe; daughter, Michelle Orcutt; stepson, Derek Schwabe-Warf (Dori Ballai); sisters- and brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. After completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from the University of Iowa Jim served as a psychiatric operations specialist in the army. He earned a PhD from the University of Minnesota and began his research and teaching career in the Sociology Department at Florida State University in 1972 and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2007. Jim was an accomplished scholar, a devoted instructor, an effective administrator, and a generous colleague. He wrote two books and scores of journal articles in his specialty areas of deviance and drug and alcohol problems. He served as department chair, engaged in extensive university service, taught multiple undergraduate and graduate courses in his specialty areas and received departmental and university teaching awards. He also served as a grant reviewer for several organizations. Jim was a beautiful writer, and his willingness to pass on editing tips and intellectual critiques was much appreciated by his colleagues. His election to the presidency of the Society for the Study of Social Problems and his appointment as editor of the journal Social Problems signify the high regard in which the profession held him and his dedication to advancing the field of sociology. Jim was a loving and warm spouse, brother, father, and friend. He was an accomplished musician and had a wonderful sense of humor, a deep curiosity about the world and other people, and a strong sense of justice. He will be dearly missed by so many, but we are grateful for his beautiful presence in our lives. Jim will continue to serve students through the Florida Anatomical Donation program, which supports medical training and research to facilitate advancements in health. Donations to honor Jim may be made to the FSU Department of Sociology, Big Bend Hospice, Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend, RBG Fund, Refuge House, or https://riseinternational.org. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Dr. James D. Orcutt, PhD

December 15, 1943 - February 25, 2026