Richard “Dick” N. James ’57

Richard “Dick” N. James ’57 died July 28 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Montour County, Pa., to Dr. Alfred E. and Esther R. James. His early career included serving as a research chemist at Riegel’s Research Laboratory, where he was awarded several patents, one of which sold to General Motors. The major portion of his career was spent as a senior chemist with Monsanto Co. in Greenwood, S.C., and also in Decatur, where he was presented with the Monsanto Achievement Award for designing and implementing a robotic testing system for the quality control laboratories. Dick was a graduate of Davidson with a B.S. degree in chemistry. He also completed graduate studies at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga., and The Polytechnical Institute, Brooklyn, N.Y. Following his retirement, he was a member of the adjunct faculty of Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood. Dick was a member of the American Chemical Society and recognized as one of the distinguished chemists in America. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood. Surviving are his wife, Sandra N. James, 101 Wexford Place, Greenwood, SC 29649; his mother; and a brother, David R. James (Kristin). Also surviving are three children, Christopher N. James (Rebekah), Candace James Cummings, and Dr. Karen James Cubelli; and five precious grandchildren, Ryley Breeding and his father, Brad Breeding, Alexander and Abigail Cummings, and Juliana and Carmine Cubelli. He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather, and a special friend to all who knew him.