It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of George James, visionary founder of the Reaction Research Society (RRS) and Rocket Research Institute (RRI), who departed this world on September 1st at the age of 96. His passion for rocketry, and education profoundly impacted both the scientific community and generations of young minds.

In addition to his technical achievements, George was a founding member of the Reaction Research Society, one of the oldest and most respected amateur rocketry organizations in the world. George founded the RRS in 1943 while in high school. His leadership and vision within the RRS was instrumental in fostering a community of enthusiasts and researchers dedicated to the advancement of rocketry. Through hands-on experiments and rigorous testing, he helped inspire and mentor countless students, hobbyists, and professionals in the field.

Later on George founded Rocket Research Institute (RRI) which he run until his passing. George kept busy writing articles on the early days in rocketry and was very much interested in news about space. This past spring George was the recipent of the IAF Distinguished Service Award 2024.

A tireless advocate for scientific discovery and education, George remained involved mostly with RRI until his final days. His contributions to rocketry, his nurturing of young talent, and his enthusiasm for space will leave a mark on the field and on all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

I personally had the opportunity to meet George for the first time for the RRS 50th anniversary in 1993. George attended the event as well as the RRS’ 75th anniversary. Over the years I kept in touch with George and we would meet at JPL at times where he was very well known within JPL K-12 Educator Resource Center.

His memory will forever be honored through the ongoing work of the Reaction Research Society and the countless students he inspired to reach for the stars.