James Turner Rose

James Turner Rose obituary

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James Rose Obituary

James Turner Rose

James Turner Rose, 1935-2015, known throughout the space community to have been an early pioneer of space as a place for commercial pursuits, Jim Rose was among the first to develop a business proposition that involved capturing the advantages of microgravity.

James T. Rose, long-time member of Florida's space community, passed away on Sunday, May 24, with his beloved wife, Daniele, at his side. Jim lost his battle with cancer and passed from this life surrounded by his wife and dear friends, Nancy, Curtis, Ian, Kathryn, and Sabrina Bree.

Jim devoted his life to the advancement of space. His first position was as an aeronautical research engineer at Langley Research Center developing satellites for the Vanguard program. Next, as one of the first Space Task Group members he became a NASA project engineer on Project Mercury and in 1961, joined NASA's advanced manned space project later named Gemini. In 1964, Jim joined McDonnell Aircraft, Gemini's contractor, as systems control manager for guidance and control.

Throughout his career, Jim moved between government and industry, always opening new frontiers: in the space realm and in boardrooms.

Jim continued with McDonnell Douglas Corporation in positions of increasing responsibility until 1974 when he returned to government service under his mentor, John F. Yardley. From NASA headquarters in Washington DC, he directed vehicle development and engineering on the space shuttle program.

Jim Rose returned to McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company in St. Louis in 1976 as manager of space shuttle payload development for research and commercial applications of space. In that capacity, Jim applied his talent and skill toward utilizing the nation's space transportation system for commercial advancement. He created Electrophoresis Operations In Space (EOS), the first joint endeavor agreement between industry and NASA to bring space commercialization into reality. This program exploited the unique aspects of space microgravity to separate pharmaceuticals in space. McDonnell Douglas partnered with Ortho Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson, on this far-reaching effort. EOS developed many firsts throughout its decadal longevity, including launching the first non-NASA shuttle passenger, McDonnell Douglas engineer Charles Walker, as a payload specialist. The program was dealt a significant setback by the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. During the flight hiatus, other scientific advances eclipsed the advances of space-based manufacturing, bringing EOS to an end.

Undaunted, in 1987 after 20 years with industry, Jim accepted a government position as NASA assistant administrator for commercial programs. In that capacity he continued to promote many possibilities for the use of space to a wide variety of business interests. At its zenith, more than 200 U.S. corporations attracted to space and other commercial applications were affiliated with the 17 NASA Centers for the Commercial Development of Space (CCDS). These non-profit consortia of industry, academia and government entities offered incubators for future space-based products and services.

Jim retired from NASA in December 1991. He continued to consult internationally for several years early in his retirement. An avid reader and international traveler, Jim maintained an active life on Merritt Island, Florida.

Jim received many honors throughout his career, including NASA's Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a government employee, and NASA's Exceptional Service Medal; Aerospace Laurel Award; and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Lindbergh Award. He was a fellow of the AIAA.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Daniele Rose.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of James T. Rose to National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163

Published by FloridaToday on May 27, 2015.
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Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I had the privelege of working directly for Jim when he was hired as MGR-G&C subs. We were great freinds with his and my growing family.We had many BBQs with him at his house and my Dad's place at the Holiday Shores Lake. Jim was so intelligent. I loved his stories of the early days at Wallops Island. Throwing the missiles in his trunk to go to the launch site. His stories of growing up with his dad. In the obit picture he looks like I remember his Dad who I believe I met in St Louis.I remember his cigars when in those days one could smoke in the office. He even helped my wife to the Dr with my 2nd son (1970) when she could not locate me at work. (no cell phones). We had a great small group with Ray Harrison, Dutch Johanningmeier,Phil Harvey, and others. I will always remember Jim,what a great friend!!
Tom Bytnar

August 23, 2015

I had the honor of starting my professional career within the Office of Commercial Programs at NASA HQ 25 years ago. With Mr. Rose at its head, Code C (as it was called then) saw a vision for the future and he worked to find "doers" that could help execute that future. That came with tremendous risk as we were often seen at NASA HQ as folks "who weren't with the program" but we persevered. We had our share of successes and failures but we moved forward with every step and Jim Rose was the right guy at the right time giving us the confidence and cover to take each step to get closer to the vision that is today unfolding in commercial space. It was an honor to be a part of his team and I will always be grateful for the mentorship, friendship and care that he gave to me during those early years of my career and in the ensuing years. The space community is a fuller, brighter network of people and possibility because of him and I was blessed to have him part of my life's adventure. My deepest condolences to Danielle and his family and friends. He was a great man who I will forever be grateful for being there at the early part of my career.

Richard Cooper

June 3, 2015

Daniele, with great sorrow I write to you, knowing how much love and care you and Jim shared. Faith sustains. Jim impacted my life on the space commercialization side, having studied for my dreams of a true US 'space industry', and leading construction of a commercial launch site on the east coast for the Florida space agency. I appreciated his insights for the many years we worked together in the Cape Canaveral AIAA section and with the Space Business Roundtable. He inspired space commerce ideas everywhere he went. Today we enjoy much of the fruits of a new space industry because of enthusiasm of the 'thought' pioneers like him. He will be missed but his legacy lives on.

with great sympathy, Karen

Karen Barker

June 2, 2015

Daniele, my family and I in Toulouse send you all of our condolence. Jim was so kind to us. I appreciate all the good times we had when I came to visit you regularly in Washington DC back to 1988. He was a great man, I learned a lot from him. Keep in touch and I hope we will meet very soon. Thien, Anh, Mai, Phuong and Quang.

May 29, 2015

We will miss Jim's smile and always checking in on our travels and my career. So very sorry, please let us know if you need anything. Pam and Stan

May 28, 2015

Hi Daniele, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great man and will be missed. Please let us know if you need anything. Laura and Galand.

May 28, 2015

So sorry to hear of the loss of Jim, Danielle. I will always have fond memories of him.

Warren Chinyanganya

May 27, 2015

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