In Memoriam: James E. McGrath

1935-2014
Virginia Tech Distinguished Chemistry Professor

Dr. McGrath, University Distinguished Professor and Ethyl Corporation Professor of Chemistry in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014 after a battle with brain cancer at the age of 79.

Before arriving at Virginia Tech in 1975, McGrath spent nearly 20 years in industry working for companies such as Goodyear and Union Carbide and, as a consequence, the university's Department of Chemistry became one of the first in the nation to establish polymer chemistry as a sub-discipline.

Working with colleagues such as J .P. Wightman, Tom Ward, Don Baird and Garth Wilkes, their collaboration was rewarded in 1989 when the National Science Foundation established the prestigious Science and Technology Center: High Performance Adhesives and Composites, which McGrath directed from 1989 to 2000.

A passionate educator, McGrath taught eight classes and initiated and developed the organic polymer chemistry, polymer laboratory, and synthesis and reactions of macromolecules courses. In addition he taught four different American Chemical Society short courses at Virginia Tech for more than 25 years as well as three National Science Foundation / ACS / Virginia Tech short courses for undergraduate teachers.

“Jim supervised more than 100 graduate students in either chemistry or the MACRO program, and more than 80 postdoctoral scientists—many of whom went on to enjoy illustrious careers in their own right,” said Jim Tanko, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry. “He was very active in professional service and outreach, and was a giant in the field of polymer chemistry. Jim’s success was our success. In establishing a highly respected and recognized program in polymer chemistry, he elevated the Department of Chemistry as whole to a much higher level. He was a good friend and colleague, a true scholar and gentleman, and he will be sorely missed.”

McGrath authored more than 400 publications and was involved with over 40 patents including those for optical devices from thermoplastic materials; method for making polyimide; highly conductive thermoplastic composites for rapid production of fuel cell bipolar plates; and chlorine resistant desalination membranes.

He was selected to be a member in the National Academy of Engineering in 1994. In 1997 he received the first ever Outstanding Alumni Award from the Department of Polymer Science at the University of Akron where he received his master's degree in 1964 and his doctoral degree in 1967. He was named a Fellow by the American Chemical Society in 2009 and has received a number of awards from the society to include the biennial Charles G. Overberger International Prize for Excellence in Polymer Research in 2013; the George S. Whitby Award for Distinguished Teaching and Research in 2009; Award in Polymer Chemistry in 2007; and the Award in Applied Polymer Science in 2002. In 1997, McGrath was honored as the Virginia Scientist of the Year and was selected by the Society for Plastics Engineers for the Plastics Hall of Fame.

McGrath was an active member of the ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry, elected POLY Secretary in 1978, POLY Chair Elect in 1984, and served as POLY Chair in 1986. He received several POLY awards including the Herman F. Mark (1996), Distinguished Service (1998), Special Service (2003), Paul J. Flory-Polymer Education (2004), and POLY Division Fellow (2010). He developed many of the Divisions successful workshops including Advances in Polymerization and High Performance Polymeric Material (1992), POLY Graduate Research Conference (1996), Advances in Polyolefins (1997-2013), International Workshop on Polycondensation (1998 & 2004), Advances in Polyurethanes (2002), Advances in Materials for Fuel Cells Proton Exchange Systems (2003-2009), PPF Pacific Polymer Conference (2005), and Advances in Materials and Processes for Polymeric Membrane Mediated Water Purification (2009-2013). Many of these workshops will continue to inspire polymer scientists for years to come.

McGrath contributed so much to his scientific field. He will always be remembered as one of the founding fathers of polymer science.