James Franklin White, 58, of Carlisle, Mass., died on Friday, Feb. 03, 2012, at his home, after a lengthy illness. Jim was born on April 13, 1953, in Greenfield, Ind.
He excelled in the Greenfield public school system before attending Purdue University, where he obtained his bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmacology.
Jim began his professional career at Eli Lilly and Company in 1980 conducting toxicology studies of potential new drugs. He went on to become the lead in a collaborative effort with Novo Nordisk of Copenhagen, Denmark in neuroscience research. This work led him to become the Director of Neuroscience Research at Eli Lilly, where he worked until he left the company. After several years as Vice President of research at Hypnion, Inc in Massachusetts, he became CEO of Colucid Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where he finished his career.
Throughout his career, Jim used his unique combination of scientific and interpersonal talents to lead teams of talented researchers. His efforts included bringing a compound for sleep disorders to maturity and a novel treatment for migraines. He was honored in 2003, by Purdue University naming him a Distinguished Alumni.
Jim married Linda Kelly from Charleston, Ill., in Nov.,1985. They welcomed their son Jarrett Kelly in Oct., 1989. They enjoyed traveling, skiing, sporting events, especially Colts football and the Indianapolis 500, and anything Jarrett was involved in. As a pilot, Jim loved to fly his plane. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing in Mass., Cabo San Lucas, and Costa Rica with his son Jarrett and his nephew, Scot.
Jim found the most pleasure in life in spending time with family and friends. Every holiday was an excuse to invite people over to eat, drink, and enjoy life. He especially enjoyed his many adventures with Jarrett and his friends: skiing, fishing, and playing “HORSE”.
For many, Jim was known for his philanthropic support of the many organizations he held dear. He supported the arts and education, as well as local community organizations. Among his favorites were the Boston Pops, Purdue University, Bridgeton Academy, Concord Carlisle Friends of Football, local Concord – Carlisle organizations and the Food Project. He was a kind and generous man. He will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; and their son, Jarrett; his parents, Franklin White and Meredith (Ross) White of Greenfield; sister, Lynn (Max) Fall of Indianapolis; Aunt, Ruth Herendeen of Marcellus, Mich., six cousins, and a much loved family of in-laws. He also leaves behind a large group of colleagues who were pleased to call him a colleague and a friend.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, Mass. A Funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, Mass. Burial will be in Indianapolis, at a later date with a memorial service in Indianapolis at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Susan M. Dee and Charles W. Dee, Jr., Directors, Dee Funeral Home of Concord, Mass.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
To share a memory in Mr. White’s guest book visit www.deefuneralhome.com.
