In Memoriam: Jim Corfield

Chris Beytes

James Lyle “Jim” Corfield died March 14 from an aggressive brain tumor. He was 72.

Jim was born in Chicago to William and Arlene Corfield, grew up there, and graduated from Michigan State University with both BS and MS degrees in horticulture. He spent most of his career as an executive with horticulture companies, including Ball Seed Company, Vaughan Seed Company, President of S&G Seed Company, and the first Director of the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center at Ohio State University, along with various consulting jobs.

Jim was active in many horticulture organizations, served as Chairman of the Board of the American Horticulture Society and enjoyed playing a major role on the Geneva (Illinois) Beautification Committee in his retirement. GT