James Hadley

James "Jim" Warren Hadley of Livermore died Jan. 31. He was 93.

Hadley was born Nov. 15, 1924 in Los Angeles County to Walter Jerome and Laura Margaret Hadley. He served three years in the U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) during WWII as a student at Caltech, with one additional year of USNR service post-war. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics at Caltech and a doctorate in nuclear physics at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1946, he entered employment at the U.C. Radiation Laboratory and then moved to Livermore in 1952 as one of the original team at the U.C. Lawrence Radiation Laboratory (now Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory). There he continued for over 40 years in various scientific and administrative positions in R and then in Z Divisions, principally as related to applied technology. A colleague remembers him as a role model who helped transfer the early Lab's scientific optimism and can-do spirit to the generation that followed him.

He enjoyed hiking, skiing, cycling, tennis, classical music, woodworking, puzzles of all kinds and spending time with family. He was especially fond of repairing household articles. He was committed to public service through venues such as Friends of the Livermore Library, the Student Education Loan Fund and the Tri-Valley Conservancy of open lands. He was an avid supporter of the Pacific Chamber Orchestra.

In addition to his incisive wit and intellect, he was a caring husband and father, and a kind, gentle soul.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roberta "Bobbie;" children, Susan, David (Robi), Carl (Bonnie), Karen and Richard (Alice); and granddaughters Greta, Jeanne, Sara, Lily and Claire.

A celebration of life was held at the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue, in Livermore.