The Pinecone
|
September 2014
• 7 •
A L W A Y S T H I N K I N G
We are familiar with, and have used, the expressions
“
smart as awhip” and “lifelong devotion” to describe in a few
words persons who are mentally sharp and couples whose
commitment to each other is timeless. The expressions are
not mere bromides but, rather, commonly used shorthand
descriptive phrases. In my interview of John and Georgia
Harkins these expressions attach to each of them.
They and their families were part of a large Irish Catholic
immigrant community in Memphis, and, while John met
Georgia when she was sixteen, their mutual attraction had
to wait for three years. They married in 1965, and had one
son who died at a young age.
The pursuit of higher education was a shared goal for
John and Georgia. John defines intelligence as the ability
to analyze, interpret, and co-relate information, frame it
into logical questions, and answer those questions. Georgia
earned both BA and MA Degrees in English from Memphis
State University. She taught school for eight years and
tutored for thirty-five years. Georgia also worked in
Admissions at the Presbyterian Day School.
John joined the Navy in l956 and, again, in 1961. With
military service behind him, John earned a BS Degree
in History from Memphis State University, MA Degree
in History from Louisiana State University; and a PhD
Degree in History
from
Memphis
State
University.
John’s
passion
has been twofold
–
teaching and
writing. Teaching
spans thirty years
and he credits
his
students
who
prodded
him into doing
his own most
profound and
intellectual growth-oriented thinking.
His writing includes more than fifteen books and articles.
Civic/ Professional Services/Honors include the Tennessee
Historical Commission; and Outstanding US History
Teacher Award. Memphis University School honored John
by renaming its Archives The John Harkins Archives. His
favorite thinker is the Anglo-Irish Statesman Edmund
Burke.
The Intellectual Dimension of Wellness does not
emphasize “brainiacs” or those who score well on IQ Tests.
Rather, it encourages retirees to continue reading, studying,
writing and sharing what you know with other residents.
One is never bored in the Harkins’ company, in part because
these activities are part of their daily routines. Take stock of
your life – do you read? Write? Play cards or other games?
Work puzzles? Actualizing the thrust of the Intellectual
Dimension of Wellness will strengthen each resident and
enhance the ambiance of our retirement community. We
can do this – join me in the effort.
–
Jacqueline Besteman, Resident
John and Georgia meeting and greeting friends and faculty
in the Harkins Archives at the Memphis University School
Harkins
John & Georgia
