James Willes Monkman, retired businessman
James Willes Lankester Monkman, 92, beloved husband of Elizabeth C. Monkman, died peacefully Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, at his home in Pinehurst, N.C., with his wife and son by his side. He was born in 1919 in St. Paul, Minn., the youngest of three children of Grace Willes Monkman and James Elliott Monkman.
Jim graduated as Top Man in his high school class of 700 and entered Harvard College on a Harvard National Scholarship. He received his degree in chemistry in 1941 and began his career as a research chemist and market development representative for the Synthetics Department of Hercules Powder Company, attaining the positions of director of sales of both their synthetics and polymers departments. In 1964, Mr. Monkman was recruited by Crompton & Knowles Corporation as president and general manager of their chemicals group, and in 1967 became a vice president and director of the corporation.
Responding to a long-held dream of entrepreneurship, Jim established in 1971 Monkman International Consulting, which for over 30 years, under his guidance, offered services to a broad variety of U.S. and international clients.
Outside of business, Jim was known for his love of animals (particularly big dogs), for his kindness to and respect for all people (he had only positive things to say about anyone), his enjoyment of skiing and golf and - during his Pinehurst years - lawn bowling. He had an abiding appreciation and knowledge of classical music, loved theater, and spent many happy years actively participating in Gilbert & Sullivan shows produced by The Brandywiners, Ltd., a theatrical group in the Delaware Valley.
Among numerous other honors and elected positions, Jim served as president of the Harvard Club of Delaware, senior warden of Immanuel Episcopal Church, Wilmington, governor of the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), and director and president of the Société de Chimie Industrielle, American Section. He was for many years a member of The Wilmington Club and The Wilmington Country Club.
Jim is survived by his wife of 28 years, Elizabeth Colborn Monkman; his son Richard Monkman (Robbie) and his daughter Cynthia Hatcher (David). He was predeceased by his son James P. Monkman; and two sisters, Florence and Marion.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 13, at The O’Neal School Auditorium with the Rev. Dr. Al Hill officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity Christian Fellowship, PO Box 5667, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or the Harvard College Gift Fund at President and Fellows of Harvard College, Office of the Recording Secretary, 124 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 Memo: Harvard College Fund.
