Physics Department Chairman James Horwitz, 60, died unexpectedly Saturday in his home.As of press time, the Tarrant County medical examiner’s Web site had the cause and manner of death listed as “Pending.” (Courtesy Photo: uta.edu)

As of press time, the Tarrant County medical examiner’s Web site had the cause and manner of death listed as “Pending.”

College of Science Dean Paul Paulus said the department’s first focus is on dealing with the shock of losing Horwitz. He said the College of Science will eventually look for an interim chair. They’ll have to talk to the Provost about when they can search for a permanent chair.

Paulus said Horwitz was a pleasant individual.

“I was surprised and shocked, because I just saw him last week in a meeting,” he said. “I was looking forward to another good year working with him.”

Physics lecturer Nila Veerabathina said she worked with Horwitz frequently.

“It’s very sad and my heart is broken, and he is still in my mind every minute,” she said. “I was also working on the International Year of Astronomy with him and he was very inspiring and motivational for that, and he was our driving force for the International Year of Astronomy activities.”

Physics professor Kaushik De said everyone respected Horwitz.

“We are going to miss him a lot,” he said. “He was a dynamic leader for the department.”

He said Horwitz always made sure the Physics Department continually strove for a higher goal.

Horwitz provided the right environment, made sure the department was well-supported and the department’s work was recognized, De said.

Planetarium director Levent Gurdemir said Horwitz hired him in 2006. He said Horwitz had an open door policy.

“I never heard him say, ‘No, we don’t have time to talk,’ ” Gurdemir said.

He said Horwitz initiated activities in the department like physics picnics, get-togethers and he arranged birthday parties for staff.

“He was a very good person, friend, administrator, supervisor and chair,” Gurdemir said. “The Planetarium was very important to him, and he always supported us. We will truly miss him.”

Horwitz worked at the university since November 2004. Before coming to the university, he worked as an associate director for the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1987-2004, while also working as a physics professor there 1978-2004. From 1976-1978, Horwitz was postdoctoral fellow for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Horwitz was also a research assistant for the University of California San Diego from 1970-1976.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6 at the Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel in Arlington. A scholarship fund is set up in his name in place of flowers.

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