Dr. James Allan Wingrave

Dr. James Allan Wingrave, age 76, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on September 16th, 2023.  James, known to friends and family as Jim, was born to Harlan Clark and Gwenn Maree (Gragg) Wingrave on March 13, 1947 in Severy, KS.  Jim grew up an avid outdoorsman and Eagle Scout who spent summers instructing canoeing.  Fascinated with chemistry as a teenager , he would go on to earn his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the Emporia State University.  During his studies he met and later wed Marsha Lea Rowland on May 31, 1969.  She would accompany him to the University of Texas for his doctoral and postdoctoral studies. To this union would be born two sons, James Michael and Chadwick Allan.  Following post-doctoral studies, he began his career in chemistry with Conoco in Ponca City, OK, and then DuPont, living in Kennett Square, PA. Marsha preceded him in death on July 1, 1996. He returned decades later to academia at the University of Delaware where he taught chemistry for 23 years. He would be fortunate to find love again with Michele Anne Toukan and they wed on June 18th, 1999, moving to Pike Creek, DE. He grew his family with Michele's two daughters, Leila Anne and Deena Lynn Toukan. Jim enjoyed joining family on ski vacations, camping and canoe trips to Canada, as well as trips to the beach. Jim's research interests focused on kinetic and equilibrium adsorption of molecules and polymers at interfaces with publications and patents to his name. Outside of his profession, Jim held notable roles in life as a son, brother, husband, father, step-father, and scout master volunteer. He is survived by his second-wife Michele Ann Wingrave; son James Michael Wingrave with daughter-in-law DeeAnn Lombard and two step-grand-children Emma Noelle and Jayden Pierre; son Dr. Chadwick Allan Wingrave with daughter-in-law Dr. Mary Elizabeth Bowen and two grand-children Maxwell Fletcher and Mary Marcellus (Ella); step-daughter Leila Anne Toukan; step-daughter Deena Lynn Toukan; and sister Janelle Willis

A visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the LONGWOOD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION of MATTHEW GENEREUX, 913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. A private family funeral will begin at 12:00 pm, followed by interment at Longwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (Donate) would be appreciated.

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