Part-time FCNS instructor John Bland died late last week of natural causes in his Shabbona home. He was 55.

Laura Smart, professor and acting chair of family, consumer and nutrition sciences, knew Bland for more than 15 years. She first met him in the late ’80s and had him as a student when he was an undergraduate and graduate student.

Bland was a very hard worker, Smart said.

“He knew what he wanted and kept going until he got it,” she said.

At NIU, Bland taught courses in child development, human development (the family and society) and introduction to family relationships since 1996.

Senior psychology major Kristin Murphy, who had Bland for two classes, described him as funny and easygoing.

“He was kind of sarcastic and in-your-face,” Murphy said.

Through classes, Murphy said she was able to establish a pretty good relationship with Bland, which she carried on even after leaving the classroom. When Murphy found out about Bland’s death on Wednesday afternoon, she said she was surprised.

Smart said Bland was honest and shared his life with his students. She said he inspired them and gave them faith in themselves.

“John made them want to get out of bed at 8 in the morning to go to his class,” she said.

If there were students in class who were quiet, he’d have them talking by the end of the course, Smart said. She said Bland helped his students grow.

“He had a big heart, but it was in the right place,” Smart said.

Bland is survived by his brother, his brother’s family and his mother.

There will be visitation from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the United Church of Christ, 104 E. Navaho St., Shabbona.

“He will be missed by many,” Murphy said.