James F. Lotspeich ’44

Jim died from leukemia Aug. 6, 2006, in the Malibu, Calif., home that he and his wife, Helen, enjoyed for 46 years. He was 83.

From an established Cincinnati educational family, Jim came to us with pals Bill MacCrellish, Jim Gamble, and Bob McCaslin — all first residing in Foulke Hall. He later roomed with Gamble and Jim Affleck in ’79 Hall. A droll spirit, Jim was the key arranger for the original Nassoons (see ’44 Class Notes Nov. 8); president of the Glee Club; secretary of Quadrangle Club; and a member of Triangle Club. After earning a bachelor’s in French literature in 1943, he served in combat in the Pacific on a Navy landing craft. He later earned a master’s in physics at the University of Cincinnati and a doctorate in physics at Columbia. He worked 31 years for Hughes Aircraft Laboratories in laser research, earning several patents.

He was a choir member and head usher of the Malibu Presbyterian Church for many years, and a past president of the Malibu Optimist Club. Jim loved singing and, with Helen, traveling, tennis, and reading. His brothers were the late Henry G. Lotspeich ’29 and Edgar H. Lotspeich ’37. Our sincere condolences go to Helen and to Jim’s niece, Annette Bator.