James ‘Jim’ Ferguson, a professor of anthropology at Stanford University, died on Feb. 12 after battling a long illness. He was 65 years old. Jim was an extremely influential scholar on Africa who is well known for his many books and articles, including his pioneering 1990 ethnography titled Anti-Politics Machine: ‘Development’, depoliticization and bureaucratic state power in Lesotho. Those who had the privilege to know Jim will remember him for his critical engagement with ideas and his open and generous interactions with friends, colleagues and students. He visited our Department on a number of occasions and presented his fascinating work to us. He was a wonderful human being and a brilliant anthropologist. We will miss him. Hamba kahle Jim.