James K. Knowles

James K. Knowles, William R. Kenan professor of applied mechanics at Caltech, died November 1, 2009 at 78 years old. He was noted for exceptional teaching both at MIT, where he received a bachelor and doctorate, and as a member of the Caltech faculty from 1958 to 1997, where he demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence, students and the greater campus community. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; three sons, John (Linda), Jeffrey (Susan) and James; and five grandchildren, Joshua, Christopher, Jeffrey, Jack and Hallie. Committal Service: 10:30 AM, Saturday, Nov. 1, Sierra Madre Pioneer Cemetery (corner Sierra Madre Blvd. and Coburn). In lieu of a memorial service at Caltech in January, there will be an inaugural, annual James K. Knowles Lecture in Solid Mechanics by an internationally recognized scholar chosen by the faculty. The lecture will be followed by a daylong workshop with talks from current graduate students and post-doctoral scholars at Caltech. These ongoing lectures will commemorate and further his dedication to scholarly collaboration and encouragement of young researchers. Donations: James K. Knowles Lecture, Caltech, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena 91125. Care entrusted to Douglass & Zook Chapel of Remembrance Funeral Home in Monrovia.