James "Jim" Lynn Pazun

James (Jim) Lynn Pazun, 62, of Harrisburg, NC, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was born June 22, 1963 in Erie, PA to James Roger Pazun and Lynda Lou Morse Pazun.

Jim graduated from Northwestern High School (Albion, PA) in 1981, and earned his bachelor’s in chemistry from Gannon University (Erie, PA) in 1985 and his PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) in 1991.

Jim spent his career in education, first working as an assistant professor of chemistry and physics at Edinboro University (Edinboro, PA), as an assistant professor of chemistry and physics at Catawba College (Salisbury, NC) and as a professor of chemistry and physics at Pfeiffer University (Misenheimer, NC). During his years at Pfeiffer, he held several key leadership roles, including head of the School of Natural & Health Sciences; chair of the chemistry and physics department; and director of online learning, where he helped to shape the university’s early efforts in digital education.

In addition to his mother, Lynda Morse Pazun, Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Melinda (Mindy) Senger Pazun; son James Hunter Pazun (Harrisburg , NC); and brother Ryan Pazun and his wife Julie Long Pazun (Clayton, NC). He is also survived by his mother-in law, Marianne Senger (Girard, PA); sisters-in law Mary Beth Senger Anthony (Erie, PA) and Nancy Senger Irwin and her husband, Jason (Erie, PA); and nieces and nephews, Sarah, Steven, Paige, Peyton, Piper, Anna and Elsie (Erie, PA).

He was preceded in death by his father, James R. Pazun; father-in-law, Alfred Senger; brother-in law Lee Anthony; and his favorite furry companion, his puppy Eternity.

Jim looked at teaching more as a calling than a career. He acted as an advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at both Catawba College and Pfeiffer University; as director for the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD); and as director for the Southern Piedmont Education Consortium (SPEC) Summer Program for Youth at Pfeiffer University.

His professional accolades also include receiving Catawba College’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for the 1995-96 school year; and becoming a published author and editor for several trade publications.

In addition to his time in the classroom, Jim was an active member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where he served on a vocal worship team and taught Sunday School and Bible study. He loved music, especially playing piano and singing. He was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he loved fantasy football, cooking and racquetball.

Most of all, Jim loved his family, his friends and his Creator.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, February 15 in the chapel at Hickory Grove Baptist Church (Charlotte, NC Harris Campus), with visitation at 3 p.m. and a service at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus (Kannapolis).

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Pazun family.