James Roland Fischer. 75, former director of the Clemson Experiment Station, died June 19, 2020.
Fischer worked for Clemson University more than 15 years from 1987 to 2003.
Raised on his family’s farm in Missouri, he earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
His professional career spanned four decades of service to the federal government and land grant university system. His “energized” philosophy led to him being a mentor to many colleagues and graduate students, and he was a recognized leader in renewable energy. He led departments, colleges and Extension systems at the University of Missouri, Michigan State University and Clemson University. He managed research programs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was on the board of directors for the U.S. Department of Energy.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon; sons Matthew (Frances) of Piedmont, who is a senior agribusiness agent for Clemson Extension; Benjamin (Stacy) of Edgewood, Texas; and daughter, Margaret Eckelkamp (William), of Washington, Missouri.
Services were held June 23 in Washington, Missouri. His full obituary is posted online.
