Robert “Bob” Elliott James, professor emeritus of dairy science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, died Aug. 21 in Salem following a sudden illness. He was 76.

An internationally recognized authority on calf health and nutrition, James spent more than 36 years at Virginia Tech advancing dairy science through teaching, research, and Extension. James was a beloved professor, Dairy Club advisor, coach of the Dairy Challenge Team, and mentor to more than 50 graduate students over his career. His work helped shape modern standards for raising dairy calves and heifers, improving animal health and productivity worldwide. 

“From my perspective, he was ‘Dr. Calf’ — recognized nationally and internationally as an expert on calf management and nutrition,” said Mark Hanigan, professor in the School of Animal Sciences. “During the 21 years I knew and worked with him, I can’t recall a single day where he wasn’t upbeat and enthusiastic. Bob worked all over the U.S., in Europe, and in Australia. I can’t imagine how many farming operations he visited and worked with over his career, but it must have been several thousand.”

James joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 1980 after serving as assistant professor of dairy science and Extension specialist at West Virginia University. At Virginia Tech, he contributed to hundreds of publications, including the 1987 edition of “Dairy Cattle Feeding and Management,” which is still used today as a reference and textbook. He regularly wrote for Hoard’s Dairyman and shared practical insights on his popular blog, Calfblog.com. He was also instrumental in relocating the university’s dairy complex to Kentland Farm in 2015.

Beyond campus, James helped establish the Professional Dairy Heifer Growers Association, now the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, and contributed to the Dairy Herd Improvement Association’s Gold Standards for raising dairy calves, heifers, and dairy-beef animals. These efforts helped to improve calf welfare and shaped production practices worldwide. 

“Dr. James was a passionate dairy educator, both in the classroom and in Extension settings,” said David R. Winston, Extension dairy scientist. “While some may disappear when they retire, not Dr. James. He maintained a strong presence in our undergraduate classrooms throughout his retirement. He was an excellent mentor to his graduate students and maintained lifelong connections with them. He often shared stories about them and their accomplishments with such pride and joy.”

James earned numerous honors for his teaching and service, including a Virginia Tech Certificate of Teaching Excellence in 2009; a Cady Award for distinguished service from the Professional Dairy Heifer Growers Association in 2003; and an Honors Award from the Southern Branch from the American Dairy Science Association in 1999. In 2012, the Dairy Club students dedicated their annual magazine, The Milky Way, to him.

Colleagues recall that he was never too busy to offer guidance — often closing conversations with, “Let me know how I can help you.”

“From my perspective he was one of the most personable, engaging, and passionate individuals I have ever known,” said David Gerrard, professor and director of the School of Animal Sciences. “The legacy of his work permeates the entire dairy industry at home and abroad.” 

James earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Delaware and master’s and doctoral degrees in dairy science from Virginia Tech. 

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ann Dunnington, professor emerita in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; his daughter Erin Ling, senior Extension specialist in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, her husband, Doug, and their children, Carter and Holden; his daughter Lindsay Nyquist, chief of staff at Occidental College, and her husband, Eric; his sister Virginia “Jini” James; and many former students and colleagues who considered him family.

A service will be scheduled in Blacksburg later this fall to celebrate his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry or Feeding Southwest Virginia. Read the obituary online.

Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:

Contact:

Tags

Share this story