James Wesley Irwin

James Wesley Irwin, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Lake Oswego, Oregon. A man of boundless curiosity and deep intellect, James lived a life defined by exploration of the skies, of knowledge, and of human potential.

Born on August 7, 1930, in Denver, Colorado, James spent much of his formative years in Stanley, Wisconsin, a place that remained close to his heart. The legacy of his parents, James W. and Mary Irwin—both journalists with The Wisconsin State Journal—and the influence of his grandfather’s newspaper deeply inspired him. As a child, he worked as a Linotype operator at The Wisconsin State Journal and The Stanley Republican during World War II, when child labor laws were more relaxed. Journalism was one of his earliest passions, and he often imagined himself as a reporter while exploring the printing press.

James pursued his education with vigor and distinction. He attended Jesuit High School, graduated from St. Louis University High School (SLUH) at the age of sixteen, and briefly studied at Washington University in St. Louis. He later earned his A.B. from Stanford University through Air Force Operation Bootstrap and went on to complete his Ph.D. in speech and audiology at the Stanford School of Medicine in 1965.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, James enlisted during the Korean War. He served with distinction as a skilled administrator and aviator. After completing advanced flight training at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, he was assigned to the Western Air Defense Force and participated in peaceful interceptions of Soviet reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War. His roles included Squadron Adjutant, Assistant Personnel Officer, and administrative positions at the Fifth Air Force headquarters. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

Flying was more than a duty; it was his lifelong passion. From his earliest days at small airports in Stanley, St. Louis, and Palo Alto, to his military service, James lived to fly. He often joked that he learned to fly by watching Saturday matinee films—yet his expertise was hard-won and deeply respected.

Following his military service, James helped co-found two electronics companies in what would later be known as Silicon Valley. He later brought his talents to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where he joined the research faculty after a postdoctoral year at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. A pioneering researcher and inventor in medical imaging, thermography, and automatic speech recognition, James led numerous academic and industrial projects funded by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and the National Institutes of Health.

He held patents and participated in neutron radiography studies at Reed College and in private industry. His work contributed significantly to both clinical practice and technological innovation.

In 1973, James married the love of his life, Kay Peterson. At the time, Kay was completing a five-year stint teaching French at Jefferson High School in Portland. Their partnership was one of deep affection, mutual admiration, and shared adventure. James often credited Kay as his grounding force—someone whose warmth, intellect, and humor balanced his own intensity and curiosity. Together, they built a home filled with books, lively discussions, and laughter. Whether traveling or simply enjoying each other's company in quiet moments, their bond only deepened with time over 52 years of marriage.

Outside of his professional life, James was a passionate conversationalist and thinker. Whether discussing politics, emerging technologies, or geography, he brought insight, humor, and depth to every exchange. Though he could not read music, he served as a pinch-hit percussionist for orchestras including the San Jose Symphony. He also attributed his hearing loss to a lifetime surrounded by printing presses, aircraft engines, and drums.

After retiring, James worked as a technical editor and consultant on flight simulator software, advocating for a “human-first” approach to interface design. He was a volunteer correspondent for Stanford Magazine and interviewed alumni from the early 20th century. He was also a member of the Acoustical Society of America, the Night Fighter Association, and the Air Force Association. He was recently honored as a Half Century Member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Kay Peterson Irwin, whose unwavering love and support shaped every chapter of his life. He is also remembered by nephews Ian Perry (Paula), Ken Perry (Ann), and his cousin Judy Rummler (Bill)

In tribute to James’ life and spirit, his favorite cousin Judy Rummler offered the following poem:

“God looked around His Garden and found an empty place.

He then looked down upon His earth and saw your loving face.

He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.

His Garden must be beautiful. He always takes the best.

…He knew you were in pain. He knew you'd never get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough, and hills were hard to climb.

So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered "peace be thine".

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.”

James Irwin’s legacy lives on through those who knew him—as an innovator, an aviator, a scholar, a conversationalist, and above all, a devoted husband and a man who never stopped reaching for the skies. May his memory bring comfort and inspiration to all whose lives he touched.”

If you would like to make a gift in his memory to SLUH (St Louis University High School) by credit card online, use this link for a secure giving portal: www.sluh.org/donate. Write a comment that the gift is in Jim's (Wes) memory.

Or, make this indication on a check sent to their secure lock box:

St. Louis U. High

PO Box 713381

Chicago, IL 60677-1518