Cleveland State University recently honored the memory of Professor Emeritus James Lock, who passed away on Oct. 28, 2023. He will be missed by many.

James Lock

James Lock was born on February 12, 1948. He began his career at CSU in 1978 and retired as a professor in the physics departmeent in 2013. Lock earned his Ph.D. in physics from Case Western Reserve University researching theoretical nuclear physics and published more than 150 pieces of literature under his discipline. 

In a time when most theoretical physics focused on quantum and particle physics, Lock contributed tremendously to the revival of interest in everyday phenomena.

“Jim’s insights and work ethic have inspired countless students who followed in his footsteps,” CSU's President Dr. Laura Bloomberg wrote to the college community. “His elaborate lecture notes have become treasured possessions, passed from one generation of students to the next.”

The family of James Lock received visitors at Schuster Straker O'Connor Busch Funeral Home in Parma on Monday, Nov. 6. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Parma.

Lock is survived by his wife Vida (nee Cyvas), younger brothers Joseph (Patricia), Donald (Pierrette), and Thomas (Anita), step-children Rimas (Francesca) Svarcas and Ruta (John) Lively, step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a great number of friends.