James Andrew Kingsbury

1948 - 2025

James Andrew Kingsbury

January 24, 1948 - June 29, 2025

James ("Jim") Andrew Kingsbury, 77, concluded his life on June 29, 2025 at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville, VA. He was born to John and Anne Kingsbury of Homer, NY on January 24, 1948, the second of five sons. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Mark P. Kingsbury.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane M. Kingsbury; his three brothers, John E. Kingsbury of Surprise, AZ, Robert W. Kingsbury of New Bern, NC and Scott C. Kingsbury of New Bern, NC; two children, Kristian J. Kingsbury (Catherine) of New Bern, NC and Kathryn K. Greco (Patrick) of Arlington, VA; and three granddaughters, Tegan M. Ortega-Kingsbury of Reston, VA, Avery G. Greco of Arlington, VA and Helen L. Greco of Arlington, VA.

A proud product of public education, Jim attended school in his hometown of Homer, NY before he continued his education at SUNY Binghamton. Jim was drawn to applied mathematics and the rapidly expanding world of computers. He obtained a National Science Foundation Traineeship which enabled him to continue his pure mathematics education at Clarkson College of Technology, the University of Kentucky, and eventually receive a Diploma in Solid Rocket Propulsion from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. His initial academic passion was teaching, but Jim turned to industry and found his dream job supporting the work of NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center. He originated methods computerizing the determination of the burning surfaces of the Solid Rocket Booster attached to the Space Shuttle. He was then employed by the MITRE Corporation for twenty-seven years, during which time his team contracted with the Federal Aviation Administration and originated mathematical methods and computer algorithms teaching computers to detect and solve air traffic control problems, including aircraft-to-aircraft conflict, flow control problems, and conflicts with prohibited airspace.

While the landscape of mathematics was Jim's playground, his true passion was exploring the mysteries of the universe and the origins of life. He read science fiction voraciously and was a proud member of the Planetary Society. Jim was a talented wood worker, a lover of good food, sudoku, and, above all, an engaged husband and father.

In retirement, Jim and Diane moved to Westminster Canterbury, where Jim chaired the Associates' Christmas Fund Committee until his death. His work on the Committee was an honor and responsibility that he valued greatly. His quiet manner, sincerity, and generosity were constantly on display. Jim's life of many accomplishments ran parallel to his physical challenges, which he surmounted with strength, intelligence, and grace. His family and friends will miss his support and presence.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Canterbury at a future date.