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Solvay Advanced Polymers Says Goodbye to an Industry Pioneer with Loss of Jim Doty
ALPHARETTA, Ga.-(Business Wire)-January 31, 2008 - Solvay Advanced Polymers and the plastics industry lost a true pioneer with the passing of Jim Doty, the company's automotive Senior Global Market Manager. Jim died Saturday, January 26th, due to complications brought on by a heart attack he suffered while on a business trip in Lyon, France. He was 60 years old.
A thirty-five-year industry veteran, Jim was part of a new wave of polymer professionals revolutionizing the concept of where plastics could be used in a host of industries and applications, especially in the automotive industry. Working for then Amoco Performance Products, he headed the company's newly formed automotive business unit. He quickly helped build it into one of the most renowned in the industry, expanding the use of Amodel(R) PPA and other resins into applications once considered solely the domain of metal and metal composites.
"Jim had a profound impact on our industry, especially his work in the area of metal-to-plastic replacement," commented George Corbin, Solvay Advanced Polymers President & CEO. "He had a huge appetite for life and a dedication to the business and his colleagues that radiated to everyone fortunate enough to be in his company. He will truly be missed."
After graduating with a bachelors' degree in chemistry from Louisiana Tech University in 1969, Jim went on to earn a doctorate in organic chemistry from Purdue University. He began his career with Dupont in 1973 and it would span various technical and sales roles for Dupont, the polymers division of Atlantic Richfield Corporation, and Amoco Polymers, which would eventually become Solvay Advanced Polymers. Jim's name appears on 11 polymer patents and he was a noted speaker and author. More importantly, he was a trusted mentor who helped train some of the most knowledgeable sales and support teams in the field of polymeric solutions for automotive applications.
"Jim's passion for the industry was unmatched," commented Bill Gaines, Automotive Industry Manager for Solvay Advanced Polymers. "That dedication and love for the business translated into universal respect among his peers and enduring relationships with his customers. His legacy will live on in the team he helped to nurture and build here, and in the products and design visions he helped bring to life."
Jim is survived by his wife Deborah, his three daughters and two grandchildren. Details regarding services and funeral arrangements are not available at this time. An update will be provided once they are.
