James Fulton Lotspeich died Aug. 6 after a brief bout with leukemia.
Lotspeich was born in 1923 into a family of educators who emphasized life-long learning and the arts. He received degrees from Cincinnati University, Princeton University and Columbia University, where he earned a doctorate in physics.
Lotspeich served in the Navy during World War II and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
His great interest in electro-optics led him to work with Nobel Prize winner Charles H. Townes, who developed the maser (atomic clock) and early laser technology. While working at HRL for 33 years, Lotspeich helped to develop, among other advances, the laser rangefinder. While at HRL, he was a mentor for many younger scientists and was renowned for his unique ability to explain complex subject matters in easy-to-understand, simpler terms.
Lotspeich was a member of the Malibu Presbyterian Church, where he was head usher for many years and sang in the choir. He also was passionate about barbershop quartet singing. Also, Lotspeich had a long association with the Malibu Optimist Club and recorded books on tape for the blind.
Lotspeich is survived by his wife, Helen, and his niece, Annette.