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and advance the methodology based upon new
problems, new experiences, internal ideas, and
industry innovations. To him, systems engineering
was more about a mindset and approach than
a series of steps in a defined process. It was also
inherently about the application and value delivered
to the ultimate customer.
David acknowledges the enormous debt he owes
his father. “I had the pleasure of working with
him for 18 years,” he said. “He sacrificed a classic
father-son relationship so that we could work
together, and because of that I had the opportunity
to learn from one of the masters of our practice.
And I wasn’t the only one learning from him. I
am constantly reminded by senior leaders across
systems engineering who sat in a class or worked
on a project led by Jim. He left his mark on systems
engineering, and every day I strive to continue the
groundbreaking work he began at TRW.”
For his contributions to the practice of systems
engineering, Jim was made a fellow of the
International Council of Systems Engineering and
named an “Eminent Engineer” of Tau Beta Phi, the
engineering honor society. He passed away in 2010
at the age of 74.
Jim Long, behind the counter, speaks to a conference attendee in the late 1990s.
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