James Ziegler

1935 - 2024

James Francis Ziegler, known affectionately as Jim, passed away on May 14, 2024 at the age of 89 at his home in Chester, MD overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Born on April 20, 1935 to Francis Marion Ziegler and Malinda Lorie Ziegler in Gary, Indiana, he was the brother to four, father of two and grandfather of five. He is survived by siblings Steven Ziegler, Janet Ziegler, and Marian McAfee; wife Ann Ziegler; sons Samuel Ziegler (daughter-in-law Rachel Chellappa) and Matthias Ziegler (daughter-in-law Chao-tuan Liu); and grandchildren Oliver, Sebastian, Quentin, Lorelei, and Adriana Ziegler. Jim was a graduate of Walnut Hill High School in 1953. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1957 from Yale University, following which he spent 3 years in the United States Navy chasing Russian submarines before returning to University of Cincinnati for a second undergraduate degree in Physics. Finally, returning to Yale in 1962, he completed a PhD in Nuclear Physics. While completing his graduate degree he met his future wife of over 54 years, Ann McCoy. Jim was very dedicated to his work as a scientist and a pioneer in both radiation physics and computer engineering for over 33 years at IBM Research in Yorktown, NY, where he raised his family before moving to Annapolis, MD for 15 years as a professor and mentor to great minds and future leaders at the United States Naval Academy. He was a Fellow of the International Electrical and Electronic Engineering Society (IEEE) and also a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Awarded countless times for his scientific achievements including the "von-Humboldt Senior Scientist Prize" by the German Government. His work in advancing the knowledge of cosmic rays and radiation physics will continue to influence the scientific community and world at large for generations to come. However, Jim was much more than just a world leading scientist. He loved taking up new hobbies that he would become fully encompassed by until something even newer gained his interest. For years he was an avid deer hunter, leading weapons training safety classes and bringing new technology to improve his chances of a successful hunt while exerting minimal effort. Then he turned his attention to the sea where he spent over a decade perfecting sailing journeys through the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and Atlantic Ocean waters off the coast of Rhode Island. He also was an avid world traveler with his favorite vacations being safaris in South Africa that he would organize detailed trips for his friends and family. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 31st at 10am at Saint Anne's Episcopal Church, Church Circle, Annapolis. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall. The family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity in his name.