James L. Kinsey
1934-2014
James Lloyd Kinsey was born in Paris, TX, to Lloyd King and Elaine Mills Kinsey (both deceased.) He graduated from high school in San Angelo, TX, and attended Rice Institute, earning a BA in 1956, and a PhD in chemistry in 1959. In 1962, he joined the faculty of MIT, where he served for 26 years. He returned to Rice in 1988 to lead the Weiss School of Natural Sciences through many major accomplishments as dean, and also served briefly as interim provost. From 2006-2012, Kinsey served as chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Robert A. Welch Foundation. He continued to remain engaged in scientific life at Rice as an emeritus professor until his unexpected death on December 20, 2014. Kinsey was known for his research, his leadership ability, his wit and sense of humor, as well as his dedication to being of service in the important relationships of his life, be they with family, friends, colleagues, students or institutions. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Berma McDowell Kinsey, James L. Kinsey is survived by his children, Victoria (Jimmy) Cruz, Samuel (Kathryn Allyn) Kinsey, and Adam (Keri) Kinsey, his grandchildren, Ruben Espaillat, Stuart and Elaine Kinsey, and his maternal and paternal cousins, their children and grandchildren. A memorial service in his honor will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 2:00 at Keck Chemistry Lecture Hall on the campus of Rice University, Houston, TX, followed by a reception at the Brochstein Pavilion.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Feb. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kinsey

4 Entries

February 22, 2015

The Kinsey family, Berma, Vicky, San and Adam. I very much loved my close friend Jim. I have very many memories; I selected some to share with you. I want to begin with an image of Jim gently holding the arm of his mother, Mama Lane. She was erect and elegant and Jim followed. Jim was straight not only in demeanor but also in character. He was always honest and direct and also a good and loyal friend and a great scientist. He was strictly truthful and impartial and the acuity of his judgment was proverbial. Jim would always mention that he hails from Paris Texas, both to remind himself and to remind his friends.
Jim was very proud of Berma and her Naval background and her scientific career.
I have had a great sabbatical with Jim and also visited several summers. So the two families spent time together, both in Cambridge and in Houston. A fishing excursion to the Concord river and a visit to the Alamo are particularly memorable. Also, unhappily, the first cardiac event. It made us all very worried and fortunately Jim fully recovered. He spent time with the family, with his science and he and I could continue to be good friends. In Houston we would sit outside and talk into the night. Sometimes we compared notes about the children. More recently it became grandchildren.
I well remember the election, early on, of Jim to the National Academy of Science. All the department at MIT was jubilant. I could tell much more. Jim belonged to a generation that was made up differently. He was a southern gentleman and very proud of his heritage and yet an exemplary liberal. He was rather pleased to return to Rice, his alma mater, as Dean of Science. Some deans come and go. I know that Jim left a permanent mark. I must mention the memorable sabbatical that the Kinsey family spent in Jerusalem. A week after he arrived Jim already picked up enough Hebrew to read the street signs!
But the key point is that I miss Jim already and I will miss him even more in the future. I used to send Jim those papers of mine that I was particularly proud of. Most recently this past October. Jim would always write back with straight and to the point comments and criticism. I was very appreciative even though the text will come back awash in red. But I knew that if Jim says so, it needs to be dome better. I learned a lot from my friend Jim and I owe a lot to my mentor Prof. Kinsey.

February 2, 2015

We are deeply saddened to learn of Jim's death. We have treasured his friendship and will really miss him. He was a true Texas gentleman and was most kind to Michael when they both became deans at Jim's alma mater. He was a supportive and generous colleague and friend, and a brilliant scholar. Our memories of good times together will keep his spirit alive. We extend our deepest condolences to Berma, their children, and extended family. Fondly, Michael and Carolyn Carroll

Keri Kinsey

February 1, 2015

Jim was my father in law. I met him on his brithday and my first date with Adam in 1991. In the time that I knew Jim, he never once made me feel anything less than a cherished and beloved part of his family. The only thing more impressive than his brilliant mind was his generous and loving spirit. All of us felt deeply loved by Jim- his children and his grandchildren. We will miss him.

February 1, 2015

Jim was a friend since ninth grade. Alway intelligent, fun, and yearning for more he amazed many. I shall miss his clever observations and comments. He shall be missed by many.

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