JAMES INCIARDI

James A. Inciardi

Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware, died November 23, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.

His career began as a Parole Officer in New York, and he later transitioned to the New York State Narcotic Addiction Control Commission. After completing his PhD at NYU, Jim spent several years at the University of Miami before finding his academic home at the University of Delaware in 1976. For many years Jim directed UD's Criminal Justice Program, and he became renowned as a teacher of criminal justice. In 1991, Jim founded the Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies at UD.

Jim was an incredibly productive researcher and scholar, and received continuous funding from NIDA for some 30 years. His studies examined drugs-crime linkages, drug abuse treatment for criminal offenders, as well as HIV prevention for at-risk populations. Jim's work led to the creation of the KEY/CREST Therapeutic Community continuum, which became a national model for criminal justice treatment. In recognition of this work, Jim received the Outstanding Scholar Award from the University of Delaware in 1994 and was awarded a Merit Grant from NIDA. In 1995 he was named a Fellow of the American Society of Criminology.

During his career Jim produced an extensive body of scholarly work that will be an enduring memorial. He was a "translational scientist" long before the term came into vogue, interested in moving research into practice.

He is survived by his wife, Hilary Surratt, and by his three children, Craig, Brooks, and Kristin. He is also survived by his sister Anne Cifu, his daughters-in-law Joan and Lynne, and his grandchildren Allegra, Brooks, Anastasia, and Alessandra.

A memorial service is being held at 1 PM on February 26, 2010 at Bayard Sharp Hall, Corner of Elkton Road and Delaware Avenue, on the UD Campus.

A scholarship fund in Jim's name has been established at the University of Delaware to support outstanding graduate students in the field of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Tax deductible contributions in Jim's memory can be made to the James A. Inciardi Memorial Award Fund, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716-2580.

Arr: Van Orsdel Coral Gables Funeral Chapel, Coral Gables, FL.