James B. Sinclair (Jim, JB), 90, of Savoy, IL, died on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 4:52 a.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Dr. Sinclair was born on December 21, 1927 in Chicago, a son of James Lawrence and Helen Marie Thompson Sinclair. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sinclair and Helen Sinclair Owens; maternal grandparents, Burton Delos Thomas and Alberta Green Thompson Breck; fraternal grandparents, Lawrence and Helen Fraser Sinclair; and his companion of 47 years, Elmer (Al) Uselmann. He is survived by his brother Lawrence Albert Sinclair and cousin Alberta Engle. He graduated from Wadsworth grade school and High Park High School in Chicago; Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951; and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1955. He served in the US Army from 1946-47. James served as a professor of plant pathology and administrative assistant to the chancellor at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge from 1956-68. He was elected as President of the Southern Division, American Phytopathological Society and Chairman of the Cotton Disease Council. He was a professor of international agriculture and interim Director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from 1968-2004. He traveled to over 40 countries professionally while at UIUC working with fellow soybean scientists and growers to increase production of soybeans. In addition, he gave lectures and seminars at numerous international meetings. Dr. Sinclair was the all-campus coordinator for the Illinois-Tehran Research Unit 1969-1970 and elected to the Indian Phytopathological Society in the late 1980s. He was elected as a member of the Agronomy Society and Alumnus of the Year of Lawrence University in the late 1990s. He was also a Fellow of the American Phyto-pathological Society. Professor Sinclair was the author or co-author of over 700 scientific journal articles and scientific books. He received numerous awards and honors. After retirement, he published his memoir and a book of poetry which he illustrated himself. He guided and trained 73 American and international students, technicians and post doctors. He volunteered as a docent and served on the boards of the Krannert Art Museum and the Spurlock Museum after his retirement from 2003-2010. He also served on the boards of the Greater Community AIDS Project, the University of Illinois Library and Savoy Rotary Club. He was a member of the Village of Savoy Economic Development Commission and a member of the Illinois Crop Improvement Association and served as Chair of the Board of Directors of Gateway Petroleum International, Inc. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2018 followed by a reception until 4 p.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Dr. West, Savoy. Online condolences may be made at www.morganmemorialhome.com. Memorial donations can be sent to the James B. Sinclair Fellowship Fund at the University of Illinois Foundation, 1305 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801.
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5 Entries
I am forever grateful to JB for enabling the opportunity for me to study/research/live abroad during my PhD experience with him. The opportunity he granted (knowing I had my heart set on it) was a gamechanger for me and convinced me to pursue an int'l career in agriculture. Aside from that, I remember his professionalism, kindness, calming nature, and the ability to inspire comraderie and teamwork among his students. He was respected and beloved by so many colleagues around the world. His "deal" was to selflessly open opportunities for others, whether in the field of agriculture or the many other interests he pursued. He was an enabler of many people, and he was certainly a role model for me. He will be sorely missed.
John Bowman
December 8, 2018
JB was a big part of my life and education for five years. He lives on in so many lives.
Barry Shortt
December 7, 2018
Offering prayers for a fallen Soldier.
Barry Jarreau
December 6, 2018
My Dear Uncle, while I haven't seen you lately. I will miss you for the rest of my life.
Stephen Sinclair
December 3, 2018
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
JM
December 3, 2018
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