With sadness, love, and profound gratitude for his life, the family of James Daniel (Dan) Cover II announces his passing on March 28, 2024 at the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, South Carolina after a short term illness. Born August, 31, 1937 in Kearney, Nebraska, he was the only son of the late Paul Edgar and Clara Marie Cover. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Janet Hysinger Cover. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elta LeMaster Cover, in 2008.
He is survived by his two children from his first marriage, Gregory Paul (Greg) Cover, his wife Laurie Spilovoy Cover, and grandsons, Austin Daniel Cover, Andrew Kenneth Cover, and Adam James Cover, of Bulls Gap, Tennessee; James Daniel Cover III, his wife, Alison Rue Cover, granddaughter Rue Katherine Cover, and grandson, James Daniel Cover IV of Post Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by his wife, Janet's family stepson Samuel Douglas Moore, Jr., his wife Jennifer Crow Moore, step grandson Samuel Douglas (Tripp) Moore, III and step granddaughter, Madelyn Jane (Maddie) Moore of Jefferson, Georgia.
Dan received a Ph.D. degree in Social Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, and began his teaching career in 1965 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He taught for over 30 years at Furman University and served for 10 years as Chair of the Sociology Department. Research undertaken by his students won national, regional, and state-level competitions. He was enthusiastic about the project of computer developments to advance sociology as a scientific discipline. His writings on this and related topics appeared in both popular and professional journals. His innovative computer applications led to the American Sociological Association's 1996 "Award for Outstanding Contributions to Computing in Sociology." He held numerous offices in state, regional, and national professional organizations. In 1987 he was elected President of the South Carolina Sociological Associations and in 1997 the National Council of State Sociological Associations.
At his retirement, the James Daniel Cover Award was established. The dedication of the annual award states: "In recognition of his leadership, curriculum development, and collegiality in the Sociology Department of Furman University. The award is given in recognition of the most outstanding [student] research."
After retiring as Emeritus Professor in 2002, he pursued his interests in genealogy, American history in general, and the Civil War in particular, and in travel where he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii; Central and South America; the Caribbean; Europe; and the Middle East.
He served in California's 40th Armored Division (Army National Guard), was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and Alpha Kappa Delta.
A celebration of Dan's life is planned for May 11, 2024 at Daniel Chapel on the campus of Furman University. Prior to the service, visitation is at 10:30 am followed by the memorial service at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dan Cover Sociology Scholarship, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina 29613.