HERBERT, James L. Jr. — of Lansing, MI., age 83, died peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer at his home on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
James was born on July 3, 1940, in Memphis, TN, the son of James L. Herbert Sr. and Annette (Claywell) Herbert. He grew up in what was then the small town of Whitehaven, TN, which is now part of the Memphis metropolis. Jim’s childhood was much like others of the era, as he spent much of his time goofing around with his buddies, including hunting for bullfrogs on Elvis’s Graceland Estate. Money was an issue when it came time for James to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, so he worked out a deal to care for a university greenhouse in exchange for living in one of the greenhouse’s back rooms. In 1963, it was at the University of Tennessee where he met and married his college sweetheart and wife of over 60 years, Judith Anderson.
After he earned his degree, James began his career in business as an editor for various agricultural publications. Writing was a passion of his throughout his life. Jim then made a series of career moves into positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as Vice President of Corporate Development for DeKalb Ag Research. In 1982, he was selected by the Michigan State University Foundation, and others, to help found Lansing-based Neogen Corporation. He served as Neogen’s Chairman, and CEO from its founding until June 2020, when health concerns led to him stepping aside from the position.
Clearly, Neogen would not exist without his tremendous talent, vision, and drive. He saw the global need for what the company could become and worked tirelessly to achieve his dream. Under his 38 years of leadership, Neogen grew from only an idea for a company to approximately $400 million in annual revenues with a market capitalization of more than $4 billion. His vision of what Neogen could become led to the company becoming a leader in the development of a variety of rapid tests to ensure the safety and quality of food and animal feed, animal care products, and animal genomic services.
In his usual humble way, James reflected on his journey with Neogen, going from a company that struggled mightily in its early years, to a legacy of good ideas, profitability, and success: “As its’ CEO, I am not really due credit for its success. It was good ideas along with energy and guidance that allowed a number of great teams to perform.”
Beyond his contributions to the business world, Jim and Judi are well-known for their philanthropic efforts. They believe in giving back to the communities that nurtured them, championing various initiatives especially aimed at healthcare, education, and hunger. The Herberts were key benefactors of the state-of-the-art Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, which is part of Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. The Herberts’ generous support of their alma mater, the University of Tennessee, led to the creation of the University’s
Herbert College of Agriculture and Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center. The Herberts recently extended their generosity back to Whitehaven High School, where James graduated from in 1958, with a donation that will enable the creation of the Herbert STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Center at the school.
Jim’s exemplary life led him to receive numerous awards and distinctions, including honorary doctorate degrees from Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland; University of Tennessee, and Michigan State University.
James is survived by his wife, Judi; two children, Melissa (Amy) of Lansing, and J. Scott (Mary Ellen) of New Orleans, LA.; sister, Dr. Shirley Richmond of Houston, TX.; grandchildren, Courtney (Brandon) Shea, Jessica (Max) Sweet, Kyle Herbert, Claudia, Olivia and Madeleine Murphy; great-grandchild Gwendolyn Shea; and honorary grandson Nick Wesolowski.
Jim's warmth, joy, and extreme generosity of spirit will be sadly missed. His influence and impact on the lives he touched will endure.
When asked what he hoped his legacy might be, he responded: “I would like to think that this big old world is somewhat better because of something I did.” Mission accomplished.
Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Christ Community Church, 227 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, Pastor Mike Dunkelberger officiating. There will also be a visitation at 10 a.m. at the church, prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert Foundation (www.HerbertFamilyFoundation.org) which supports research and charitable organizations in the areas of health and hunger. Other important philanthropies for the Herberts include the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Lansing Community Foundation, Sparrow Hospital Foundation Genomics Endowment, numerous endowments at the University of Tennessee, Farmhouse Fraternity, and all hospice organizations including the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation. For further information on any of Jim & Judi’s philanthropic efforts, please contact the family.
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