Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is with overwhelming sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dr. James D. Arney on June 14, 2021, due to a medical condition. Jim was the founder and driving force behind FBRI since its inception in 2002. He will be missed tremendously as he was our colleague, friend, mentor, and leader. The professional forestry community has lost a giant who worked tirelessly over 50 years to advance the science, technology, and quantitative tools used to manage timberlands throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In the days ahead the FBRI Board of Directors will be meeting to map out our next steps. We expect that our transition going forward without Jim will be difficult, but we know it is critically important to our Supporting Organizations that we continue to fully support and enhance FPS for decades to come. FBRI will be vigilant in carrying out the mission and vision that Jim developed. This is best way to honor Jim, his legacy, and his commitment to our profession.
Lastly, our hearts go out to Jim’s dear wife JoAnn Arney. She was always there, always helping, always supporting Jim. They were a wonderful couple, and we could see that they loved each other tremendously. We are deeply saddened by her loss.
With heavy hearts,
Ken Borchert, Chairman
FBRI Board of Directors
James D. Arney Memorial Scholarship
In honor of Jim’s immeasurable contributions to the field of forest biometrics, FBRI has set up a Jim Arney Memorial Scholarship fund to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in forest biometrics. The FBRI Board of Directors will administer the funds and award scholarships. FBRI is a 501c(3) non-profit and scholarship donations are tax deductible. You may either send a check to FBRI, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221 or use the online Square link to donate or call 503-227-0622 for a contribution over the phone.