Gillespie

James H. Gillespie, D.V.M., professor emeritus of microbiology and immunology and former chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine, died Jan. 10 at the age of 93.

Gillespie's many contributions to veterinary medicine include starting the feline program at the Vet College, which led to the establishment of the Cornell Feline Health Center. He was also the lead person in organizing the nation's first feline symposium, held at Cornell in the early 1970s.

Recognized as an expert virologist in the study of infectious diseases, Gillespie is also known for his work with poultry, cattle, horses and cats. In the 1960s and '70s, Gillespie was active in the field of vaccines for cats, working with various vaccine companies to study feline viruses. He also was the co-author of "Hagan and Bruner's Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals."

Gillespie graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and during World War II, he was an officer in the Veterinary Corp of the U.S. Army, serving in China.

A memorial service will be held April 7 at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 309 Highland Ave., in Ithaca.