165388_Vitech_History

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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