James Vrentas

James Vrentas
Born
James Spiros Vrentas

(1936-04-14)April 14, 1936
DiedAugust 7, 2025(2025-08-07) (aged 89)
Alma materUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Delaware
OccupationChemical engineer
Spouse
Christine Jarzebski
(m. 1975)

James Spiros Vrentas (April 14, 1936 – August 7, 2025) was an American chemical engineer.

Life and career

Vrentas was born in Danforth, Illinois, the son of Spiros Vrentas and Evantia Gintonis. He attended Danville High School, graduating in 1954. After graduating, he attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. He also attended the University of Delaware, earning his master's degree in 1961 and his PhD degree in chemical engineering in 1963.[1][2]

Vrentas served as a professor in the department of chemical engineering at Pennsylvania State University from 1980 to 2016.[1][2] During his years as a professor, in 1985, he was named the Dow Professor of Chemical Engineering.[3]

Personal life and death

In 1975, Vrentas married Christine Jarzebski. Their marriage lasted until Vrentas's death in 2025.[4]

Vrentas died in State College, Pennsylvania, on August 7, 2025, at the age of 89.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Dr. James Spiros Vrentas". StateCollege.com. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Chemical engineering celebrates the career of James Vrentas following retirement announcement". Pennsylvania State University. April 13, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  3. ^ "Dow sets professorship". Centre Daily Times. State College, Pennsylvania. February 20, 1985. p. 18. Retrieved August 16, 2025 – via Newspapers.com. Closed access icon
  4. ^ "James Vrentas Obituary (1936–2025)". Centre Daily Times. August 13, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025 – via Legacy.com.
  5. ^ "Dr. James Spiros Vrentas". Echovita. August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025.