Dr. James L. “Jim” Emerson, 83, of Atlanta, died May 13, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with Parksinon’s. He was born on January 23, 1938, to George C. Emerson and Ellen Bennett Emerson in Garrett, Indiana. Jim graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1962 and received a Ph.D. in pathology from Purdue University in 1966. He was a Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists, and an honorary professor at the Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the Kirov State Medical Institute, Kirov, Russia. Jim had a long career in experimental medicine and pharmaceutical development. He was Research Associate Pathologist in Toxicology at Norwich Pharmacal Company, Norwich, New York; Senior Research Specialist, Department of Pathology & Toxicology, Dow Chemical Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, and subsequently, served as Manager of the Department of Pathology at Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois. Jim worked at The Coca-Cola Company for more than 20 years, where he focused on extending the importance of the Company's scientific programs outside of the Company and promoting science-based risk assessment for regulatory policy formulation working. He retired as Assistant Vice President and Senior Science Fellow, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at The Coca-Cola Company. Upon retirement, he started his own consulting firm, Emerson Consulting International. His broad knowledge of science and ability to work across cultures gave him a unique ability to lead and address complex issues with vision, dedication, passion, and grace. Jim formerly served on the Boards of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, the Flavor Extract and Manufacturing Association, the Calorie Control Council, the Health and Environment Science Institute, and the International Life Sciences Institute North America.
In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed family vacations at the beach, being "Papa" to his grandchildren, Ansley and Caede, and holiday gatherings at home. Upon retirement, he loved taking cruises to various ports abroad and Friday night Mexican dinners with Mel and friends. Jim could always be relied upon for a good time and great wine! The family would like to thank Thomas Bartley, Beth Culloty, LaShawna Watkins, and Weinstein Hospice for their kindness while caring for Jim. Dr. Emerson was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marjorie Argerbright. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mel Emerson; Son, Todd Emerson (Meredith); daughters, Kiersten “K.C.” Emerson, Leisel Talley (Ryan); grandchildren, Ansley Emerson, Caede Talley; and nephew, Michael Argerbright. A memorial service will be Monday, May 24, 2021, at 1 o’clock at Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, 86 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A reception will immediately follow the service at the family residence.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dr. James L. Emerson Memorial Fund established at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine to support doctoral studies in pathology. Alternatively, donations may be made to the High Museum of Art.
Gifts may be mailed to:
College of Veterinary Medicine
Attn: Tiffany Connors
1900 Coffey Road
Columbus, OH 43210.
Checks should be made payable to OSU Foundation, Memo line: 317273
Gifts can also be made online at give.osu.edu/Emerson
Questions may be directed to: 614-688-8433.
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