James Ph.D
August 24, 1930 — November 7, 2011
James W. Barany
August 24, 1930 - November 7, 2011
James W. Barany, Ph.D. (Jim) died on November 7, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Central Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. Jim was born August 24, 1930 in South Bend, Indiana. He attended High School at Marmion Academy in Aurora, IL and graduated from Notre Dame University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering. While attending Notre Dame, Jim worked for Studebaker Corporation and was a member of the United Auto Workers Union. After graduating from Notre Dame, Jim served in the US Army as a combat engineer during the Korean conflict.
After military service, Jim went on to study Industrial Engineering at Purdue University, receiving a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in 1956 and a Ph.D. in 1961. Upon completion of his M.S., Jim became an instructor at Purdue. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1969 and served as the Associate Head of Purdue's School of Industrial Engineering from 1970 to 2005. After moving to a half-time appointment, he continued to serve as the Interim Head of the School of Industrial Engineering. Upon formally retiring in 2010, Jim continued to teach courses and hold various leadership positions within the school.
Always an advocate for students, Jim was an award-winning professor and advisor. He had a tremendous following of students and kept in contact with many of them after graduation. Jim was active in the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) and served in many roles within the organization throughout his career; including as the advisor for the Purdue IIE Student Chapter. In addition to his work with students, he created and led the annual Industrial Engineering Annual Work Simplification seminars from 1966 to 2000 as well as the ATT Graduate Summer Program for manufacturing and systems engineers from 1965 to 1999. Jim was also a Founding Fellow in the Purdue University Teaching Academy. In 1998 the State of Indiana recognized Jim's widespread contributions by giving him its highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash award. He also received a Distinguished Hoosier award in 2005.
In addition to his service to Purdue University, Jim avidly collected and restored Studebaker autos. He also enjoyed working on his farm in West Lafayette. He is preceded in death by his parents (Emery and Rose Barany), his sister (Anne G. Barany) and his former wife (Judith Flannigan Barany). He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Ann Getty, his devoted longtime companion, Katherine M. Markee, his cats Lacey and Princess, and a host of colleagues and friends who will miss him.
Visitation will be at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home (1104 Columbia Street, Lafayette) on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (EST), with the Rosary service at 2:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary Cathedral (1207 Columbia Street, Lafayette) Monday, November 14, 2011 at 10:30 am, Fr. Dan Gartland officiating. Interment will be at St. Boniface Cemetery (2581 Schuyler Avenuea�"highway 25, Lafayette) directly after the Mass, with military graveside rites.
Memorial contributions in Jim's honor can be made to the "Dr. James W. Barany Scholarship Endowment" or the IIE Purdue Student Chapter. Please make checks payable to the Purdue Foundation and indicate the fund for which the donation is intended. Checks should be mailed to 403 W. Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. All donations to the Purdue Foundation are tax deductable. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.