By Fleming Smith
Executive Staff
T.J. Scholl (C’16), who studied English and women and gender studies at Sewanee, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 23 on the morning of September 21 due to a heart condition. While at Sewanee, Scholl served as an officer of Lambda Chi Fraternity. He was engaged to another Sewanee alum, Madison Jones (C’16), at the time of his death.
“T.J. was a brilliant conversationalist; the most philosophically consistent person I have ever met,” said Jack Kennamer (C’18), a fraternity brother of Scholl’s. “He was always available to his brothers, and I often sought his company late at night during the week when we were both hard at work on papers. I am so thankful to have shared time on the mountain with T.J. and to call him my brother. Those who shared his company will miss him dearly.”
As the news spread on social media, shocking many he knew him, Scholl’s friends shared their admiration of his intellect and sincere friendship to others. Scholl was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tennessee and planned to become a lawyer.
“I looked to him as a big brother,” said David Terrell (C’17). “I do cherish the memories of him sitting around at Sewanee. Legs crossed, cigarette in one hand, and book/phone in the other, T.J. would take the time to read and educate himself. Always in his own world, and I was lucky to be invited in.”
Benjamin Sadler (C’17) remembers Scholl as “one of the most compassionate individuals I have ever known. He had strong moral judgment backed by sound logic and knowledge. A fervent support of equal rights and a humanitarian, T.J. is the fiercest individual I have had the privilege to be friends with. Your loss weighs heavy on my heart, brother. Rest well and know that your impact on my life and this world has been profound.”