In Remembrance: R. James Cross ’62 Died on May 13 2026

Richard James Cross, an emeritus professor of chemistry at Yale whose research expanded knowledge of fundamental molecular mechanisms, died on May 13, 2026, at age 86.

After graduating Yale College in 1962, Cross earned a PhD at Harvard and joined Yale’s Department of Chemistry as an assistant professor in 1966. He taught physical chemistry and conducted seminal research in hot-atom, molecular beam, and fullerene chemistry until his retirement in 2010. He is remembered for “his excellence as a teacher and researcher, his generosity toward colleagues, his lively sense of humor, and his dedicated service to department, college, and university work.” 

Cross is survived by his wife, Ann Dyman Cross ’70PhD; his children, John Cross and Donna Kenefick ’98; one grandchild; and two sisters.

A comprehensive summary of Cross’s career is included in a memorial tribute posted on the Yale chemistry department’s website.