Jim Bolton Passes
Professor James R. Bolton, born on June 24, 1937 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in Edmonton, Alberta on October 21, 2025.
Obituary:
He was a distinguished scholar, earning his BA and MSc degrees in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. He furthered his academic pursuits at the esteemed University of Cambridge in the UK, where he obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry.
Jim was involved in ultraviolet (UV) applications for over 40 years. He was a Professor of Chemistry and a principal member of the Photochemistry Unit in the Department of Chemistry at Western University (UWO) in London, Ontario from 1970 to 1996, when he retired as an Emeritus Professor of Chemistry. He published over 180 papers concerning photochemistry and UV applications. In 1999, he established his consulting business (Bolton Photosciences Inc.).
His groundbreaking research, conducted in 1997/1998, unveiled the remarkable efficacy of UV light in neutralizing the protozoa Cryptosporidium. This pivotal discovery paved the way for the global implementation of UV disinfection in drinking water plants, significantly enhancing public health and safety.
Jim was the first President of the newly formed Canadian Society of Chemistry (a constituent society of the Chemical Institute of Canada – CIC) and was a Fellow of the CIC. In 1998, he received the CIC Environmental Award.
Jim’s leadership and vision were instrumental in the establishment of the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) in 1999, where he served as the Executive Director and Editor of IUVA News. His contributions to the field of ultraviolet technologies continue to shape the industry.
In 2013, IUVA honoured Dr. Bolton with a Special Session at the World Congress on Ozone and Ultraviolet Technologies in Las Vegas, a special award for the best ‘Classic Paper’ in UV technologies, and the IUVA Lifetime Achievement award. A scholarship in Jim’s honour continues to provide support to students engaged in UV research.
Throughout his life Jim was interested in energy, particularly solar energy applications. He co-founded the Solar Energy Society of Canada and served as its President. He has published many research papers on solar energy applications to drive chemical and biological processes.
Jim was an accomplished flutist, as well as a great cook (since he believed it was “just all chemistry”). He loved teaching, and even during his stay at the hospice he was teaching chemistry and discussing science with the staff and volunteers there. All who knew him were beneficiaries of his kindness, wit, curiosity, and generosity of spirit.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Wilma (née Hall), his daughter, Dr. Judy Bolton, and his second wife, Dr. Ingrid Crowther. He is survived by his son, Tom (Jacqueline), his stepson, Christopher (Ren), grandchildren James, Sasha, and Josée, brother John (Jerri), sister Louise, and many loving extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Dr. James (Jim) R. Bolton will be held at a later date. In memory of Jim, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada or Pilgrims Hospice Society in lieu of flowers.
