In Remembrance of James Paseur
James was a compassionate clinician, a devoted family man, and a valued member of our practice. His journey to counseling came after a successful first career that took him across industries and around the world, giving him a unique perspective that enriched every client interaction. He had a gift for making people feel seen and understood, and his genuine care left a meaningful impact on all who worked with him.
Beyond his professional life, James’ warmth and generosity extended into everything he did. He loved to travel, learn, and share his experiences, often bringing stories and insights that inspired those around him. His presence in our community and our practice was a true gift, and we remain deeply grateful for the many lives he touched.
James’ legacy lives on through the countless individuals, families, and colleagues whose lives were brightened by his compassion and wisdom. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Born in Alabama, James grew up in Michigan. He and his family lived in Jacksonville for several years. James’ dream had been to become a counseling psychologist. Instead, he accepted a position with General Motors to more quickly pay off his and his wife’s student loans. That decision altered his career path for several years. As a result, he acquired a wealth of experience working in several industries: automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, education, banking, insurance, and information technology. He understood the challenges and stresses of corporate life because he had been there. James held many types of jobs: factory worker, clerk, computer programmer, industrial engineer, trainer, software engineer, systems engineer, supervisor, manager, director, and assistant vice-president.
His career enabled him to interact with many different cultures in the US and overseas. His most enjoyable position was when his corporation transferred him to Cairo, Egypt, to set up a computer center and teach Egyptian students programming skills. His wife and young son accompanied him to Egypt where they lived for over three years. These experiences made it easier for him to relate to the work challenges that people of all ages faced, as well as the challenges of diverse cultures and religions.
James worked hard, but he learned to play hard too. He enjoyed foreign and domestic travel, scuba diving, running, swimming, dancing, playing the piano, music, art, watching stand-up comedians, and cheering on Michigan’s football team when they beat Ohio State. Balancing work and play was a skill he learned over time. One of his more unusual hobbies was studying world religions and spirituality: Christianity, Gnosticism, Judaism, Sufism, Taoism, Islam, Rational Mysticism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shamanism, Krishna, and many more.
James’ years of experience, combined with his education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, helped him collaborate with clients as they explored their own lives. His specialization in crisis and trauma was no accident—he had experienced these challenges himself and understood how difficult it was to not just survive but to thrive. His therapeutic approach drew heavily from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and person-centered therapy—always adapting to what fit each individual best. James knew that most people did not care how much you knew unless they knew that you cared, and he cared deeply.
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Graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
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Graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Specialization in Crisis and Trauma
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Licensed in the State of Florida as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
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Completed academic Practicum at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville (Intensive Outpatient and Partially Hospitalized Behavioral Programs)
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Completed academic Internship at Recovery Counseling and More, Inc.