Pahz, James Alon
September 11, 1943 -
Place of Birth: Chattanooga, TN
Place of Principle Residence: Shepherd, MI
Biography:
James Alon Pahz was born to Abraham and Katherine Goldfeder in Chattanooga, TN. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University for three years before switching to Tennessee Temple and graduating with his B.A. in 1967. In 1972 he received his M.S. degree and in 1975 his M.P.H. degree, both from the University of Tennessee. Pahz started as a director for the Comprehensive Service for the Deaf, and subsequently served as a coordinator for the Tennessee School of the Death, and then a teaching assistant in Public health at the University of Tennessee. Pahz ended up moving to Sheperd, MI with his wife Cheryl, where he now is a professor in public health education. Pahz has co-written several books with his wife, most of which concern deaf awareness. In addition, Pahz and his wife started an adoption agency, Children’s Hope, helping families surpass the difficulties of international adoption. Pahz has three children from Honduras and has done much traveling abroad.
Selected Works:
- The Girl Who Wouldn’t Talk (1975)
- Robin Sees A Song (1977)
- Total Communication : The Meaning behind the Movement to Expand Educational Opportunitties for Deaf Children (1978)
Awards:
- 1999 Community Service-Learning Award
- Certificate of community service from Chattanooga Area Council on Alcoholism and Other Substance Abuse
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
Pahz currently works as a professor in public education at Central Michigan University. He is actively involved in his community, raising awareness for handicaps and helping families adopt internationally. Many of his books concern his passion for helping others.