James Wirrell, BS, MS, CNMT, FSNMMI-TS, 1939–2020

James Wirrell, SNMMI-TS president from 1985 to 1986, passed away on September 18, 2020.

The first Nuclear Medicine Week poster, July 27-August 2, 1986

Jim served in the Marine Corps for the first 10 years of his working life. After his discharge, Jim trained in radiologic and nuclear medicine technology and then continued his education, acquiring his baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

Jim was a long-time member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. He served in active leadership roles in the New England Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section, including serving as that chapter’s president in 1978–1979. When Jim accepted the position of educational director of the nuclear medicine school at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis (later associated with Ball State University), he transferred that professional passion to the Central Chapter, where he once again served in multiple leadership positions, including serving as president of that chapter in 1982–1983.

As the educational director of the nuclear medicine program at Methodist Hospital, Jim was dedicated to the success of his students. He was known to invite students with academic problems to his home to provide them with academic support whenever necessary and served as a mentor to many technologists who were beginning their careers in the educational field. Additionally, whenever possible, Jim brought his students to chapter and national meetings to introduce them to the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and emphasized the benefits of belonging to this professional organization that would help to support them throughout their careers.

At the national level, before Jim served as Technologist Section president, he served as a national council delegate and as a chair or member on numerous committees. As president, Jim was instrumental in establishing National Nuclear Medicine Week. Working through his U.S. Senator, Dan Quayle, he proposed the resolution that was ratified by the U.S. Congress on July 27, 1986, and signed by President Ronald Reagan (https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/proclamation-5514-national-nuclear-medicine-week-1986). Jim chaired the Nuclear Medicine Week task force that would develop the first Nuclear Medicine Week poster. After his presidency, Jim continued to offer his leadership skills when needed for committees and various projects, including serving on the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board for 7 years.

Jim’s colleagues shared their memories of him. Marcia Boyd (past TS president), said, “Jim will be remembered by many for his good nature, encouragement, and expertise in many areas. We have lost a dear person who served as a role model for many technologists over the years.” Lynn Fulk (past TS president), offered, “Jim’s personality was huge and would make you laugh. His caring for his students and friends was limitless. He will be sadly missed.” Wayne Wcislo (past TS president), noted, “It was always a fun time when Jim was around. He took great delight in the accomplishments of his students. He will be missed by many.” Finally, Maria Nagel Conte (past TS president), shared the following memory of Jim, “I remember when I left office Jim gave me a huge engraved gavel 3 feet long and a mallet long enough to cause harm. I felt he could find something humorous in most issues.”