James Michael McKisic

James Michael McKisic received his doctorate in Particle Physics from Ohio State University in 1967, where he was in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Ohio Gamma chapter. He was also a long time member of the Lion’s Club in Fairfax, Virginia.

His professional memberships include the Acoustical Society of America, the American Institutes of Physics, and AGU (American Geophysical Union.)

He was the son of Macil Thorne McKisic and Juanita Gayle Rexroad, both from Banks District, Upshur County, West Virginia, and was born September 19, 1942 in Waukegan, Illinois where his father was stationed as a Naval Officer.

Mike passed away January 28, 2024 and is survived by his wife of 57 years Sheila Drew McKisic, sons Dr. Michael Sean McKisic and wife Heidi, Kyle James McKisic and wife Kelly, and his five grandchildren, Espen, Magnus, Maeve, Roan and Declan. He displayed a profound love for his wife and family and showed respect and appreciation to all people he came in contact with.

During his career he was employed by Lockheed, Tracor, the Office of Naval Research, Teledyne Geotech, and was a founding partner in the establishment of Creative Science and Software Solutions. Upon retiring to San Diego he and his wife moved into his childhood home in Kensington where he had many years of laughter as he reconnected with people from his youth.

In his youth Mike played the tuba with the Bonham Brothers Band and upon retirement turned to opera which he listened to daily and studied in depth. If you wish to honor his memory attend an opera or donate to the San Diego Opera.

A celebration of his life will be planned for a later time for dear friends and family.