Dr James Ellison Kirkley Sr., 65, died in September following a long struggle with cancer.
Dr Kirkley was a Professor of Marine Fisheries Science with Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. He received a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D., all from the University of Maryland. His primary research interest was in Fisheries Economics, Marine Policy and Resource Management, Economic Development, Utilisation of Coastal and Marine Resources, and Economics Impact Analysis.
A husband, father and grandfather, he is dearly missed by his wife, Kathleen, three daughters, son, four grandchildren and extended family. Also his many friends, colleagues and e-pals on the Fishfolk internet list are mourning the passage of this great and good man, whose life’s work and contributions to fishery economics were honoured to celebrate in a special session at IIFET 2010 Montpellier and at NAAFE Forum 2009.
Dr Kirkley has published books and numerous papers alone or with others, many of them dealing with the fisheries of the US East Coast. Always polite and prepared to patiently engage in dialogues as on the Fishfolk forum, questioning formal fisheries economics, the inadequacy of which, where fit, he was prepared to admit. This was only one reason for his being not just very well known, but also respected and appreciated. His approach was always friendly, serious and respectful of fishing people and their communities.
Jim Kirkley will also be remembered as an avid fisherman, enthusiastic boogie border, and for his sense of humour. Although I never met him in person, I'll fondly reminisce our Fishfolk exchanges with much of his wisdom saved in my computer.
Menakhem Ben-Yami
