James "Jim" Joseph Alberts

James (Jim) Joseph Alberts

Jim Alberts passed this life on October 25, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. He was born on May 23, 1943 in Chicago.

His lifelong passion for Oceanography began with a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Cornell College. He received his MS degree in Organic Chemistry from Dartmouth College and obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography from Florida State University in 1970.

He began his research career at the University of Georgia in the Zoology Department. Later worked at the Argonne National Laboratory, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. In 1984 Jim became the Director of the University of Georgia Marine Institute at Sapelo Island serving as director for16 years. He retired from the UGA School of Marine Programs in 2003.

During his career as a dedicated scientist, he authored more than 100 published articles in professional journals. He was the recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Senior US Scientist Award, and the Fulbright Foundation, Research Scholar Award. He was the president of the International Humic Substances Society.

Both professionally and in retirement he was a world traveler. Since retirement he was able to pursue his interest in history, especially World War II. He was a board member of The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UGA and a frequent presenter and was a volunteer at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

He found woodworking as a new passion, especially with the scroll saw. Friends will remember him through his sense of humor and the daily cartoons he shared.

Survivors include his wife Monika Takacs of Athens and daughter Jill Albert/Trujillo

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is assisting the family with the arrangements, www.lordandstephens.com