James Carl List

1926 - 2021

James Carl List

Muncie - James Carl List, Jr., 94, passed away Saturday, June 5, 2021, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born July 6, 1926, in Paducah, Kentucky, the son of James Carl List, Sr. and Edythe Berry List. He graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School, received his B.S. and Masters in Biology from the University of Notre Dame, and his PhD in Zoology from the University of Illinois.

Dr. List served in the Navy.

He first taught at the University of Loyola in Chicago, prior to coming to Ball State Teachers College in 1957. He retired as Professor of Biology in 1988.

Dr. List served as advisor for pre-professional students in areas of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, medical technology, and veterinary medicine. At various times he was a departmental representative in the University Senate, served on professional policies council, the research committee, and a number of other college and university committees and served as acting chairman of the Department of Biology.

He was a longtime member of the Indiana Academy of Science and various national science associations. He served one term as treasurer of the Indiana Academy of Science, one term chairman of the National Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, and was named a Fellow of the Indiana Academy of Science in 1966.

In retirement he enjoyed family, travel with Joan, bridge with friends, crossword puzzles, birdwatching, dogs and cats, Notre Dame football, and adding native trees and wildflowers to the family property. For 15 years he and Joan delivered Meals On Wheels in Muncie.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Joan List, whom he married July 11, 1947. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017. Other survivors include two daughters, Barbara Smith, Shirley, IN, and Mary List, Jefferson City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Joseph B. List, DDS.

There will be no calling hours or funeral services. Parson Mortuary and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Indiana Chapters of the Nature Conservancy or to The American Civil Liberties Union.

Online condolences may be sent to www.parsonmortuary.com