Nofziger, James C. Graduate Fellowship in Animal Sciences

James “Jimmie” Curran Nofziger was born in California in 1923. He graduated from Canoga Park High School in the San Fernando Valley in 1940 and then began college at UCLA, excelling in science and being a talented member of the wrestling team. His education was interrupted in 1943 when his ROTC unit was inducted into the U.S. Army, he served as an infantry officer in WWII. While leading his platoon in the Battle of the Bulge in 1945, he was hit by a mortar shell that caused life-threatening injuries. He arrived at the hospital with no pulse; it was miraculous that he survived.  He was retired as a First Lieutenant and awarded the Purple Heart. Following that close brush with death, he always considered each day a gift and led his life with the cheerful optimism that was treasured by all who knew him. Jim spent three years in the Veterans Administration hospital before resuming his studies at UCLA, where he earned his B.S. in Zoology (‘48) with the help of the GI Bill. He then went to WSU for both his Master’s (‘52) and his PhD (‘61) in Animal Sciences. Jim instructed at WSU from 1959- 1961. He was very proud of the education he received at WSU and felt that what he learned in the Department of Animal Sciences served him well throughout his career as a consulting animal nutritionist. Dr. Nofziger started a consulting business in 1961, specializing in the feeding and management of large livestock, becoming one of the nation’s leading animal nutritionists. He consulted with clients primarily in the Western United States; but also in Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, South Africa, the Republic of Botswana, Scotland, and Australia. In 1981, President Reagan appointed Dr. Nofziger Chairman of the Marine Mammal Commission to uphold the Marine Mammal Protection Act. During his 3-year term, he did his own research, such as devoting considerable time and attention to California sea otters. He met with scientists, flew small planes through the otters’ entire range, and studied their habitat by boat. He did the same with Hawaiian monk seals. He was a true scientist, dedicated to learning throughout his life.  Dr. Nofziger was a founding member of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) in 1963, and was its second president in 1964. The ASAC was formed to increase the level of professionalism, ethical standards and networking opportunities for professional agricultural consultants. Dr. Nofziger was on the Board of Directors and served on the Bylaws Committee. He helped develop the original Code of Ethics for the Society; and was instrumental in writing the Ethics Course, an important part of the educational curriculum required for CAC certification (Certified Agricultural Consultant). Dr. Nofziger received the ASAC’s Distinguished Service Award in 1998 and their Mentor Award for 2 straight years in 1999 and 2000. He remained active with this organization and with his satisfying career until he was felled by cancer on February 18, 2001, at the age of 78.  James C. Nofziger was married for 51 years to Elizabeth (Bettie) Nofziger. He had 3 children and 9 grandchildren. As his brother Lyn said, “Jimmie was one of those fortunate people who liked almost everyone and almost everyone liked him. He was good humored and easy to like. He was loyal to his family and friends. He was respected by his clients and the members of his profession.”  Jimmie Nofziger was known to those who were fortunate enough to cross his path as a man of unwavering principle.  He was meticulously honest and a wise counsel to all.  The James C. Nofziger Graduate Fellowship in Animal Sciences was created with contributions from 78 family members, friends, and colleagues, who gave generously to honor his memory.

Award Requirements

Distributions from this Fund shall be used to award one graduate fellowship to a student pursuing a graduate level degree in Animal Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.