Born in Chicago, Jim graduated from Downers Grove Community High School in Illinois. He received his MS in Organic Chemistry at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1966 and his PhD in Organic Chemistry at Clarkson University in 1976.
From 1970 to 1980, Jim was a chemist at Neville Chemical Company, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked on hydrocarbon resins and rubber and adhesive chemistry. From 1980 to 1983, Jim was a senior research chemist at Arco Chemical Company, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. From 1983 to 2002, Jim was a senior research associate at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio. Again, his work involved hydrocarbon resins, including new product, process and applications development.
In his professional career, Jim was an innovator and inventor. He paid close attention to the employee work environment, and was instrumental in initiating significant changes to improve work place efficiencies and safety.
As an inventor, he filed several patents to protect his inventions, primarily in the fields of hydrocarbon resin compositions and adhesive formulations.
Jim enjoyed various hobbies. He joined the Old Westmorland Rifles Club, built two flintlock rifles and participated in numerous Revolutionary War era battle reenactments with primitive campouts.
While at Goodyear, he traveled many times to Europe, Mexico, South America and Canada on business, frequently accompanied by his spouse.
Jim and his wife Lois played as much golf together as time and opportunity permitted.
Jim’s word for his life was “fortunate.”
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