Preface to the Special Issue in Honor of Dr. James E. Slosson

Abstract

In the fall of 2006, the Management Board of the Engineering Geology Division, Geological Society of America (GSA), decided to honor Dr. James E. Slosson with a set of symposia to be held at the annual meeting of the GSA in October 2007, highlighting areas in which he had made significant contributions throughout his career. (Links to the papers presented at the GSA symposia are listed at the end of this preface.) The Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG) subsequently joined in the effort, scheduling a symposium in Jim's honor at their annual meeting in September 2007. In addition to the AEG symposium, Mark Legg led a memorable field trip dedicated to Jim Slosson, exploring the geology of Santa Catalina Island, just as Jim had for an AEG meeting in the 1960s. These symposia attracted a total of 49 presentations at the GSA and AEG meetings, resulting in the papers in this issue of Environmental and Engineering Geosciences , published in honor of Jim Slosson. The Slosson Family and I sincerely thank all who have contributed to this project, as authors, symposium co-chairs, reviewers, editors, and general supporters. Jim and Nancy Slosson were aware of the plan to honor Jim's professional contributions and planned to attend the GSA and AEG meetings in the fall of 2007. Indeed, it would be unjust to honor Jim's contributions to geoscience and society without mention of his wife of 60 years, Nancy, because she was such a fundamental part of his personal and professional life. Nancy passed away on April 27, 2007, and Jim followed one day later on April 28, at age 84. Both ultimately succumbed to illnesses that had become chronic. Jim and Nancy moved on down the road as they had lived their lives: together. Biographical information about Jim Slosson …