Chase Purdy/Collegian
Professer Jim Stephens with his dog Sergeant in his rustic home.
When he isn’t busy in the classroom, Jim Stephens, professor of philosophy, finds comfort in an A-frame cabin that sits in lush woodland on a small lake just a few miles from the school.
Hailing from Washington state, Stephens developed a love for nature and an affection for the outdoors that remains with him to this day. Cross country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing are just a few of the activities in which he participates.
“I love to do anything outdoors that I’m in shape to do and unfortunately some things I’m not in shape to do,” Stephens said.
Since arriving at Hillsdale, Stephens has found a love for the theatrical arts. After being introduced to the theatre on the college’s stage, he has gone so far as to perform at the Michigan Shakespeare Festival in “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
“Shakespeare is one of those magical people whose books you open and think, “I didn’t know language could do that,” Stephens said.
Besides his caffeine, computer, musical instruments and fly rod, books and language are two things Stephens says he couldn’t live without.
Some of his favorite books are written by Dostoyevsky, Elliot, and Tolkien.
He is also intrigued with languages; having dabbled in Japanese, Sanskrit, German, Chinese, Hebrew and French, saying he is well rounded in linguistics is an understatement.
“On a good day I can speak English fluently,” Stephens said with a smile as he claimed that his fluency in his other languages was not up to par.
He played bass guitar in a band growing up and music has remained an important part of his life, as one could see stepping into his living room.
In addition to what he calls “hacking around” on a standard guitar, Stephens also plays the bagpipes, their Irish relative the bago sexton, and the mountain dulcimer. He also has an extensive music collection, including artists Charles Mingus, Yo Yo Ma, and plenty of Celtic music.
Though he is very proud of his Scotch-Irish heritage, Stephens says he has a fascination with Far Eastern culture. Hanging around his house are many Buddhism-related banners and pieces of art. One of the most valuable objects in his cabin is a very detailed hand-painted depiction of a guardian of the Buddhist religion.
He shares his home with a German shepherd dog, Sergeant, and two cats, Emily and Bianca.
“Two felines, one canine and that together with fifty freshmen or so makes enough young people in my life,” Stephens said.