John S. Leigh Jr., scientist at Penn
John S. Leigh Jr., 69, a radiology scientist at the University of Pennsylvania whose research on magnetic resonance technology drastically improved its diagnostic use, died of heart disease March 10 at his home in East Mount Airy.
John S. Leigh Jr., 69, a radiology scientist at the University of Pennsylvania whose research on magnetic resonance technology drastically improved its diagnostic use, died of heart disease March 10 at his home in East Mount Airy.
"Jack was a very special and eccentric scientist," said Stanley Baum, former chairman of Penn's radiology department. "He was a pioneer in biomedical imaging. He developed the use of infrared light to create a better image of the body without radiation from X-rays and CT scans, and in one-fourth the time of a conventional MRI."
Dr. Leigh, an inspirational professor at Penn for nearly 30 years, founded the university's Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Research and Computing Center in 1984. The world-class laboratory has drawn Nobel scientists from around the world and scores of students who are now leaders in the field.
"Jack treated everyone the same," Baum said. "He came in at about noon, sat at his computer, and surrounded himself with desks and computers for any researcher who wanted to learn. Some students wanted to stay and work with him and not return to school. Hiring him was my best accomplishment as chairman."
Dr. Leigh graduated in 1956 from Haddonfield High School, where he wrestled and played football. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1961 and was a defensive lineman for the Quakers. He earned a doctorate in biophysics from Penn in 1974.
He started teaching biochemistry and biophysics at Penn in 1971 and was named the Britton Chance professor of radiology, an endowed professorship.
"Dr. Leigh was a world-renowned scientist and educator," said Mitchell Schnall, clinical director of the Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Research and Computing Center. "His laboratory was characterized by innovative, paradigm-shifting ideas, a reflection of his creativity and genius."
Dr. Leigh married Carole George when he was an undergraduate, and the couple had three children before divorcing in 1974.
While on a Guggenheim fellowship in Cambridge, England, in 1975, he married Judy Lumby. The couple moved to East Mount Airy in 1976 and raised two daughters.
"Jack had no respect for pomp and circumstance," said his wife. "He was his brother's best man, whom he shocked when he handed him a cigar band instead of the wedding ring during the ceremony. Jack was an iconoclast and curmudgeon."
Dr. Leigh grew gardenias; some of the plants were 30 years old and produced 40 blooms. He tracked weather patterns and kept copious notes on temperature fluctuations, when the first daffodils bloomed, and storm patterns.
In addition to his wife and former wife, Dr. Leigh is survived by daughters Jennie, Amy and Nancy Marcellino; sons Scott and Robert; 10 grandchildren; one brother; and one sister.
There will be no funeral service.
Donations may be to the Sassafras River Association, Box 333, Georgetown, Md. 21930.
