Dr. James Hale Sokolowski

Dr. James Hale Sokolowski ("Dr. Jim") was born in Alton, Illinois on November 20, 1935,and was raised in a home where animals were part of the family. His parents, Dr. Felix and Georgia (Hale) Sokolowski, bred and showed a variety of dogs: German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Bassett Hounds. His father bred and raised Beta fish, keeping them in cups and containers on the shelves of his Psychiatry practice. It was only natural that Dr. Jim decided to become a Veterinarian. As a youth, Dr. Jim earned his Eagle Scout Rank with the Boy Scouts of America at the age of 12. He also spent time at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico and helped make the adobe bricks that were used to build the museum. The principals of scouting remained a "North Star" throughout his life. Graduating from The University of Illinois with five degrees (BA in Agriculture 1958, MS in Animal Science 1959, BS Veterinary Medicine 1963, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1965, PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry 1965) Dr. Jim began his career at the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan working in the animal health division, conducting animal reproduction research. Through the Upjohn Company, he was awarded two patents, one for the treatment of genital tract disease with prostaglandins and the other for treating pseudopregnancy, galactorrhea and mastitis in mammals. Additionally, he managed the research and development of the drugs Prostin, Cheque Drops and Lutalyse, which allowed breeders to have their reproduction control for their horses, dogs and cattle, respectively. 1981 took Dr. Jim to the Gaines Pet Nutrition Center in Kankakee, Illinois, where he began his work in pet food research and development. In 1986, Quaker Oaks acquired Gaines Foods and Dr Jim developed the popular "stage of life" pet foods branded "Cycle Dog Food". Transferring to Kal Kan Foods in 1990, Dr. Jim established and oversaw the "Waltham", a grassroots education and public relations program at veterinary schools across the country. In addition, he was responsible for directly communicating with both veterinarians and breeders nationally and world wide, regarding the Mars Petcare brands. As part of the public relations campaign, Dr Jim was featured in radio spots, print media campaigns and television, including an infomercial featuring Cindy Williams of "Laverne and Shirley" fame. Dr. Jim wrote extensively and was widely published professionally, with over 60 technical publications credited to his name. Additionally, Dr. Jim penned a pet column for two years for a national magazine. After retirement, Dr. Jim and his wife, Barbara, relocated to Hendersonville, North Carolina where he remained active in the animal health arena by writing columns for various online pet sites and for magazines and newspapers under the pseudonym, "Ask Dr. Jim". An avid woodworker throughout his life, he built wooden horses and cradles for his grandchildren, beautiful birds perched on found branches and folk art-type horses and crows in his basement studio/workshop. Classical music was his preferred genre, and he enjoyed both listening to and playing selections on the piano. Dr. Jim and his wife also enjoyed extensive world wide travel in their retirement and trips to visit their children and grandchildren. Dr. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Nave, on August 31, 1957 in Alton, Illinois. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage and together raised three children, Dian (Michael) Deimler of Altanta, GA, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Alex) Popovich, of Marietta, GA, and Matthew (Mitzi) Sokolowski of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to his wife and three children, Dr. Jim, was referred to as "Papa Jim" by his eight grandchildren: Jacob and Jessica Deimler, Jeff Connell, Stevie and Olivia Popovich, AJ, Evan and Ian Sokolowski. He is also survived by Ivy, his snow white cat, and Delilah, his chihuahua. His love of animals is alive and well in his children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or the no-kill shelter of your choice, is appreciated. Carmichael Funeral Home, Smyrna, Georgia