[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 101 (Thursday, June 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JAMES PITTS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
James Pitts, who passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014. As one of the 
key researchers in understanding the dangers and repercussions of air 
pollution, his contribution to the state of California, and the world, 
will not be forgotten. James will be truly missed, as a dynamic and 
passionate advocate, educator, mentor and friend.
  Six months after James was born in Salt Lake City on January 10, 1921 
to Ester and James N. Pitts, the family moved to Los Angeles. It was 
not until James' studies in high school at Manual Arts High School that 
he found his passion for chemistry. He took this enthusiasm for science 
to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated with a 
bachelor's in chemistry in 1945 and a doctorate in chemistry in 1949. 
Following his graduation, James' passion for teaching began to take 
shape. In 1954, James began as a founding professor at the University 
of California, Riverside, focusing his research on fundamental 
photochemistry. James led the efforts to establish the Statewide Air 
Pollution Research Center at the University of California, Riverside 
and served successfully as its director for eighteen years.
  James began his air pollution research in the 1950s during a time 
when the nature and dangers of smog were still unknown. Through James' 
findings, he was able to influence groundbreaking Southern California 
air policy and clean air regulations that drastically improved the 
state's environmental health, and the health of California residents. 
The research carried out by his team provided much of the scientific 
basis of California's forward-thinking policies and regulations which 
have been widely adopted both nationally and internationally. 
Throughout his tenure, James also managed to find time to co-author 
nearly four hundred scientific works, and became such an authority in 
the scientific world that he was constantly visited by scientists, 
politicians and international leaders from around the globe. His 
extensive work in this field earned him numerous accolades from the 
United States Congress, the California State Assembly, the South Coast 
Air Quality Management District, the State Air Resources Board, and the 
Coalition for Clean Air.
  James Pitts was an energetic advocate who made a true difference in 
the state of California and through his efforts, he ultimately impacted 
the world for the better. As an educator at both University of 
California, Riverside and University of California, Irvine, his 
enthusiasm for chemistry was contagious. James instilled many of his 
students with an unrelenting desire to improve the environment and 
prepared these future generations of scientists to better the world for 
many years to come.
  James will always be remembered for his incredible work ethic, 
generosity, contributions to the community, and love of family. James 
will also be remembered for his love of the outdoors. James took 
advantage of everything the environment had to offer, which was clearly 
reflected in his life's work. James is survived by his second wife, 
Barbara Finlayson-Pitts and his three daughters from a previous 
marriage, Linda Lee, Christie Hoffman, and Beckie St. George as well as 
his former wife, Nancy, six grandchildren and their families. I extend 
my condolences to James' family and friends; although James may be 
gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will 
never be forgotten.

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