Dr. James Taranik

Some people make a difference. And, Jim was one of those people. He saw a balance between the logic of science and the nature of people, always advancing visionary objectives for the benefit of both. Patient, but persistent, his actions were lessons to us all... his accomplishments, gifts to his colleagues, NASA, mining industry, University System, State of Nevada, and those of us who had the privilege to know him. Thank you, Jim, and thank you Colleen for sharing him with us.

Susan and I met Jim and Colleen when we moved to Reno over 20 years ago. Colleen helped up find our home there. Jim and I as alumni of Colorado School of Mines share a geologist's knowledge of adjacent areas in central Colorado mountains. For a decade after I retired Susan and I had positions at DRI. And after Jim returned to UNR, I was his research associate. This is to say that Jim was a good man who could make things happen. He was a very good friend to us. And we are grateful for the...

Simply put, Jim Taranik was one of the most admirable people I've ever known. While having a brilliant mind himself, he was always able to communicate in a down-to-earth, understandable way and to put people at ease. He was my teacher and friend, and he always had time for an informal chat or to listen to my concerns and give thoughtful advice. I miss him and I am very saddened by the loss. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He changed many lives for the better just by...

While searching for a benchmark paper that Jim wrote (to share with a colleague) I learned of Jim's passing. He was a much appreciated mentor decades back, starting from his days at the EROS Data Center (where I later worked for awhile). The world, and many peoples' lives, are better because of him.

Dear Colleen,
Nazir and I are deeply saddened by Jim's passing. It came as quite a shock to us.

I often think of the days when Jim was Dean of Mackay and I was the Mines Librarian. He was always so helpfully involved with library projects and the planning of the Delamare Library. Working with him was always such an inspiration and pleasure.

I felt fortunate that in later years we got to do things with the two of you socially. We shall truly miss him.

A life well lived.We cherish the memory of John and the help of Collen and Dan in holding the Eleventh Geologic Conference in Los Vegas.

My condolences to the Taranik family on the tragic and sudden loss of Jim. Many of us who worked with Jim over the years will remember him as a Giant in our field. A true visionary and leader; we are all much poorer for his loss.

Jim was an inspiration to me in the early 80s when I was gettin my start in Landsat remote sensing data. I haven't seen him in years, but remember him fondly

To Coleen, Dan and the Taranik Family.
Jim is one of my dearest friends and mentors. He has been an integral part of my life since he joined NASA. The Geosat NASA Test Case Program. Landsat. The Geosat Board and many other shared challenges and experiences. I'm honored that I was able to introduce him to Bomemia and Wayside Log. Taylor and I send our respects, condolences and on-going love . Fred Henderson and Taylor Adams