Joel Jerome Mintzes

December 13, 1947 - September 13, 2021
Joel Jerome Mintzes

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Joel Jerome Mintzes, age 73, died September 13, 2021. Dr. Mintzes was born in Los Angeles, California on December 13, 1947 and grew up in Southern California. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where he received his B.S and M.S. in Biology, and Northwestern University where he received his PhD in Science Education.

Dr. Mintzes’s scholarly achievements included researching conceptual development and cognitive processes in Biology and developments in Environmental Education. He was the Visiting Ecology Scholar at Providence University in Taiwan and a Fulbright Technion Fellow at the Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa.

He began his career at the University of Windsor as an assistant professor of Biology. In 1979 he accepted a position at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he taught Introductory Biology to hundreds of students. He retired as a full professor having advised and mentored many graduate students who went on to make contributions to the field of Biology education.

In 2008 Dr. Mintzes accepted the chairmanship of the newly created Department of Science Education at California University at Chico. When he retired from Chico State, he continued his work with the Harvard Smithsonian institute for Astrophysics writing Biology examination questions for middle and high school students as part of of a research project focusing on misconceptions in science.

He was an active member of BNai Israel Synagogue where he served on the board, and he taught in the religious school. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years Sue Mintzes of Wrightsville Beach; son Aaron (Corinne) Mintzes; siblings Terry Reich and Richard Mintzes; nieces Miriam White (Nicholas Kuperman) and Shayna Reich; nephews Adam Reich and Andy White( Amy Ludwig).

He is also survived by the light of life grandson Lazar Mintzes.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Joel Mintzes be made to: The Herbert and Shirley Mintzes Memorial Scholarship Endowment at giving.uncw.edu/mintzes or checks can be made to UNCW, University Advancement, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 with a note indicating Mintzes Memorial Scholarship Endowment. Contributions may also be made to BNai Israel Congregation, 2601 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28405.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403


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  • September 16, 2021
    Sherri Batson says:
    Thinking of your family during this time of loss. Not only was I a colleague but also had Dr. Mintzes as a professor. So sorry for your loss.

  • September 17, 2021
    Karen Shafer says:
    Sue, Tom and I were very saddened to learn of Joel’s death. We have happy memories of spending time with you two. You, Aaron and the family are in our prayers for comfort during this difficult time. Karen & Tom Shafer

  • September 17, 2021
    Karen Hill says:
    Sue, many heart felt condolences to you and your family. Memories are eternal. -karen

  • September 17, 2021
    Peggy Kishton says:
    Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • September 17, 2021
    Virginia Wright-Frierson says:
    We are thinking of you Sue and Aaron with love and sympathy at this sad time. Ginny and Dargan