Dr. James B Stimmell passed away peacefully on July 7, 2017 at his home in San Mateo surrounded by family and friends.  He was 67. 

Jim graduated from Stanford University in 1972 with a degree in Physics.  In 1976, after completing his doctoral studies at Cornell University, he began his professional career in the semiconductor industry with Ford Aerospace.  In 1978, he finished his dissertation earning his PhD from Cornell.

During his years in the semiconductor industry, Jim did research in materials science, developing new materials with which to build semiconductor chips.  He also worked for a year in the medical industry, developing neurological stents.  He finished his career at Intel, developing Flash Memory chips.  Jim’s career spanned the decades of turmoil and growth in America’s semiconductor industry.  In 1987, Jim became part of Sematech, a partnership between DARPA and the US Semiconductor industry dedicated to helping America regain prominence in semiconductor manufacturing.  He was successful in leading teams to improve various manufacturing processes for the industry.  In 2008, he retired from Intel. 

Jim enjoyed a variety of hobbies.  He worked for a year with Habitat building houses.  He was an avid fly fisherman as well as a pilot.  One of his greatest joys was to fly to a remote airport and head off to a stream or lake to do some serious fly-fishing.  He often could be seen with his net catching insects, then sitting down on the bank with his kit to tie a matching fly.   Jim appreciated good art, cats and fruitcake, and often had a good supply of each.  Jim was a member of the San Jose Symphonic Choir and had a beautiful singing voice that never failed to impress every time he felt the impromptu itch to sing.  He had a sharp sense of humor and a good joke or quip was always available for any circumstance. 

Jim is survived by his sister Deanne Stimmell of Sparks, NV as well as nephew Phillip also of Sparks and grandniece, Tanya and grandnephew, Connor.  A memorial service will be held at the Insight Meditation Center, 108 Birch St., Redwood City, CA 94062 on August 19, 2017 at 6:00 PM.  Additional information can be obtained on the Center’s website: www.insightmeditationcenter.org.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Global Women’s Water Initiative, 2150 Allston Way, Ste 460, Berkeley, CA, 94704 or the Wyoming Public Radio, Dept. 3984, 1000 East University Ave., Laramie, WY  82071, or the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.