Former theater professor James Rapport died the evening of Sunday, Aug. 28 after a brief battle with congestive heart failure. Rapport, also know as Daddy Bear, was an advocate for performing arts at Northern Michigan University for several decades.

Those who knew Rapport are invited to his visitation at noon on Friday in the Forest Roberts Theatre, and his funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. in the same location. There will also be a meal of consolation at 3 p.m. Friday in the Peter White Lounge of the University Center following his internment at Park Cemetery. Regardless of faith, all are also welcome to attend a service at 6 p.m. Friday at Beth Shalom Temple in Ishpeming.

Instead of any gifts, donations are being asked for in the form of funding the James L. Rapport Scholarship, which supports theater majors with experience performing or working behind the scenes. The donor page can be found by visiting the following website: https://ebill.nmu.edu/nmu_site/alumni/foundation_cc.php