USA Rice extends condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Jim Stansel who passed away on January 2.
A proud alum of Texas A&M and Purdue, Jim led the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont for nearly three decades (1974-2002). His contributions to agriculture—from being a key member in the introduction of semi-dwarf rice varieties to his signature "Econo-Rice" program—left an indelible mark on the industry.
Jim was a pillar of the global rice community, serving as a vital advisor to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for a decade. His early research into gelatinization, cooking qualities, blast resistance, and more resulted in more than 90 published papers, many of which are still cited today.
“Jim was a gentleman and a scholar in every sense,” said longtime friend and Texas rice farmer LG Raun. “To those of us who knew him well, he was a steady hand, a mentor, and a dear friend. Our hearts go out to his lovely wife, Sue. Jim will be greatly missed by everyone lucky enough to have worked alongside him.”