Sad News regarding Professor Jim King

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we convey the sad news that Professor Emeritus James (Jim) King passed on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

His online obituary may be found here. 

Jim was first appointed in the Department of Chemistry as Professor on July 1, 1959 and retired exactly 40 years later in 1999 and remained very closely associated with the University until he moved from London in 2012 to focus on his own care. His incredible career spanned and contributed to the enormous growth and change that the University underwent during this time period. Jim was an researcher and educator of the highest quality. He contributed to the undergraduate and graduate teaching mission for his entire career and operated a world-class research program investigating how reactions take place and then to apply those insights into the development of new methods. His work on stereoelectronic effects in reactions and the use of water as a reaction solvent are timelessly relevant. Even years after his main laboratory activities slowed down, everyone on the 2nd floor knew Jim was also a renown organic sulfur chemist!

Jim was the epitome of a gentleman scholar; he used his imposing intellect for the betterment of Science, the University and his trainees. The University was fortunate that Jim chose to spend his career and life in London and I (and probably other old folks) are grateful to have known and worked with him.

Kindest condolences to his family,

Robert Hudson, Chemistry Department Chair