James L. Gaddy

Dr. James L. Gaddy, 86, of Fayetteville, Ark. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in Fayetteville. He was born August 16, 1932 in Panama City, FL to Leoma Ithama Gaddy and Mary Elizabeth (Edwards) Gaddy. Dr. Gaddy was a Professor Emeritus in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas. Prior to his academic career he worked for Ethyl Corporation and Arkla Chemical Corporation. He began his academic career at the University of Missouri-Rolla before joining the University of Arkansas in 1980 as professor and department head of chemical engineering. He was appointed Emeritus Distinguished Professor of chemical engineering in 1989. After academia he founded Bioengineering Resources, Inc., a business dedicated to the bioconversion of biomass and gaseous substrates to fuels and chemicals. He continued his professional and philanthropic pursuits in the area of waste to energy conversion until his passing. Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was hallmarked by a keen penchant for traveling the world, adventuring with his family, fishing, desserts, and most importantly pursuing Jesus. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and beloved wife of 57 years, Betty M. Gaddy. He is survived by his son, James C. Gaddy and wife Julie of Fayetteville, Ark., his daughter, Teresa Adams and husband Steve of Fayetteville, Ark., eight grandchildren: Stuart, Will, and Annie Gaddy, Matthew Adams and wife Amy, Emily Wrotny and husband Gary, Margaret Burge and husband Brett, Carolyn Shields and husband Patrick, Scott Adams, and four great-grandchildren: Kate, Maddie, and Hays Adams, and Ada James Wrotny. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 3447 North Hwy. 112 in Fayetteville with a funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jim Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Heights Church Benevolence Fund, P.O. Box 8668 Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.