Dr. James O. Prochaska, a pioneer in the field of psychology who revolutionized the science of behavior change, died on July 9, 2023, at the age of 80. Born in Detroit, Michigan on August 6, 1942, to a working-class family, Prochaska was valedictorian and football team captain at Fordson High School, Phi Beta Kappa at Wayne State University, and the Michigan National Football Foundation's 1963 college Scholar Athlete of the Year. A professor for more than 50 years at the University of Rhode Island, Director of the Cancer Prevention Research Center, and founder of ProChange Behavior Solutions, Dr. Prochaska dedicated his life to exploring the challenges of behavior change. His most notable achievement was the formulation of the Transtheoretical Model, also known as the Stages of Change Model. Prochaska's groundbreaking research demonstrated that change is best achieved through a sustained and intentional process, rather than a discrete event. His work transformed the way professionals approach addiction treatment, smoking cessation, weight management, and many other areas of behavior change. He published more than 400 scientific research articles with over 250 different co-authors, authored four books, and delivered engaging lectures worldwide. His work has been cited over 130,000 times making him one of the Top Five Most Cited Authors in Psychology, according to the American Psychology Society. During his distinguished career, Dr. Prochaska received widespread recognition and numerous awards. He was named one of the top three preeminent clinical psychologists of the modern era by the Archives of Scientific Psychology, he received an Innovator's Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and he was the first psychologist to win a Medal of Honor for Clinical Research from the American Cancer Society. With unwavering commitment to his field, Dr. Prochaska was a mentor to countless aspiring psychologists, nurturing their passion for understanding behavior change and instilling in them the importance of empathy and compassion. Prochaska was a loyal friend to many and known for his wisdom and gentle nature, infectious smile, and genuine concern for others. Dedicated to his family, Dr. Prochaska was a loving husband of 56 years to Janice; cherished father to J. Xavier and Judith and father-in-law to Gabrielle and Mark Martini; and proud grandfather of Xavier, Bailey, Zakary, Walker, and Andrew. He is survived by his sister Lois Fuse and brother-in-laws Tom, Gary, and Michael Michalek.A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Prochaska will be held on September 30, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin (UUMarin) in San Rafael, California. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Star Island Corporation or the Capital Campaign of UUMarin. Prochaska's teachings and contributions will live on, empowering countless individuals to embark on their own journeys of personal growth and positive change. May his legacy continue to guide us toward a better understanding of ourselves and our capacity for change.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal on Jul. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Prochaska

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

16 Entries

Corrine Hibbert

October 11, 2023

May he rest in peace. Grateful for his contributions in advancing behavioral science. I continue to cite his work on course assignments. His legacy will live on.

David A. Sleet

October 2, 2023

A champion for the application of theory to changing behavior, with special relevance to changing health behaviors such as smoking, diet, exercise, stress, and injuries. With Carlo DiClemente, they forged a practical integrative model that has helped thousands of people live healthier lives.

Flor Perdomo

September 23, 2023

Meeting you exactly one year ago was one of the most amazing experience of my life, sharing knowledge with such a wise person was a very memorable moment for me and my career, It was incredibly fascinating. Rest in peace and condolences for your family.

Dr Lawrence W Green

August 14, 2023

Jim Prochaska paid us in the applied field of public health education the great honor of appearing at some of our meetings of the cause, and helping us through his writing and speaking or workshop appearances to incorporate his Trans-theoretical Model in our public health communications and programs.
Lawrence W. Green
Prof. Emeritus, UCSF

Jason Garnett

Planted Trees

Alexander V. Prokhorov, MD, PhD

July 25, 2023

Jim Prochaska is no longer with us... This is unbelievably sad news to so many people, whose life and career was touched by this Great Man. In 1992-1994, I was incredibly fortunate to serve a post doc at the Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island. Jim's mentoring style, his helpful, genuinely caring attitude were unforgettable. He inspired his trainees to generate unusual, interesting ideas and seek creative solutions to problem behaviors. Jim's impact on psychology and behavioral science is immense making him one of the greatest in this area. There was a long period of time (and, to some degree, it continues until this day) when it was very difficult to receive a behavioral-science grant without the Transtheoretical Model of Change, Jim's brainchild, being included in the application as a theoretical foundation. He had faced harsh criticism at times, but always successfully rebutted in his signature elegant and convincing way. Jim has always been a role model to me and I am deeply grateful for this. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his brilliant daughter, Jodi, and to the rest of the family.

Paul Van Wyke

July 25, 2023

As a first year graduate student at WSU, I was so fortunate to have Jim as my mentor/supervisor for the psychological testing sequence. He was an exceptional role model who embodied kindness, thoughtfulness, dedication and humor. I am so grateful to have connected with a such a visionary and truly inspirational person. With sadness and deep gratitude,

Patricia Lee

July 21, 2023

Sending condolences to the family. I still remember my time working with Jim while a graduate student at URI. He was a great mentor and made my time in Rhode Island educational and inspirational. My mother still remembers meeting him and the conversation they had at my graduation. He will be missed.

Michael Delman

July 19, 2023

Jim was a wonderful visionary and mentor. When I presented a method for applying the TTM to academic challenges to his department at URI, he and Janice paid close attention, asked thoughtful questions, and were incredibly encouraging. I am grateful to have received his insights. Michael Delman, Beyond BookSmart

Tony Buffington

July 18, 2023

Having had the pleasure of knowing Jim for some 30 years, it is with sadness that I send condolences to his family, and gratitude for his many contributions to both veterinary and human healthcare that we enjoy because of his insights and energy.

Regretfully, Tony Buffington

Hein de Vries

July 18, 2023

I am very grateful to have met Jim several times. He was one of the few true really inspiring people in Health Psychology. My sincere condolences to Jan, the family, friends and colleagues.

Cousin Helen Mazur

July 18, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.