The Department of Political Science at the University of Mississippi mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus John W. Winkle III after his passing on October 23, 2022. His service to the department spanned almost five decades, from his arrival in 1974 to his retirement in 2013, followed by almost 10 years of active service in his role as an emeritus faculty member.
Winkle earned his masters and doctoral degrees in Political Science at Duke University, with an emphasis in the US court system. After arriving at the University of Mississippi he undertook teaching a range of American Politics courses, but it was Constitutional Law courses that were his specialty. In his time on the faculty, Winkle was recognized for exceptional teaching, including winning the university-wide Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teaching Award. His reputation as an extraordinary teacher was widely known among students, and his classes were always in heavy demand. Many students who passed through his classes went on to top law schools and careers on the judicial bench, as law school faculty members, and in legal practice. Others went on to careers in public service and politics. As an emeritus faculty member, he continued to teach courses that attracted the best students. At the time of his passing, he was teaching a course entitled, “The Supreme Court in a Partisan Age.”
While his work in the classroom was something in which he took great pride, Winkle’s research and service also had a large impact. He published the definitive text on the Mississippi state constitution (Oxford University Press). He received the University Research Award four times, the Graduate School Research Award four times, the Liberal Arts Excellence Award four times, the state-wide Robert W. Harrison, Jr. Governing Boards Award, and the Thomas Frist Student Service award. He was involved in the creation of the Mock Trial team on campus and remained involved until his death. He served as chair of the Political Science Department numerous times over his career. He played a crucial role in laying out the intellectual scope of what would become the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. In the Fall of 2022, the John Winkle Reading and Research room in the Honors College building was dedicated in his honor. He also was involved in the state judiciary, serving on the Judicial Advisory Study Committee and on the Mississippi Task Force on Gender Fairness in the Courts.
Whether he was urging a student to think more rigorously or talking with colleagues, Winkle was encouraging and supportive of their development. His positive outlook was visible when he spoke of the accomplishments of his family, just as it was each spring as his beloved Boston Red Sox went to spring training. His activity in the community included significant roles in his church and helping found the Oxford Community Market. He also coached local baseball teams for many years, including sharing coaching duties with John Grisham a few times.
Winkle told others that the greatest compliment he ever received was from a student who had not received a strong secondary education and was struggling in class. After passing the class, the student said, “It was the hardest class I’ve ever had, but Dr. Winkle never made me feel stupid.” His most significant legacy lives on in the many students impacted by his commitment to their individual growth.
John Winkle is survived by his wife, Ellen Meacham, three sons, Johnny (and wife, Amy), Jason (and wife, Felicia), and Will, along with six grandchildren, a brother, a niece, and a nephew. The John W. Winkle III Fund at the University of Mississippi Foundation supports faculty excellence, student scholarships, and the Mock Trial team.
