Obituary for James V. Harrison (1938–2025)
James V. Harrison, a distinguished engineer, executive, and dedicated mentor, passed away on November 21, 2025, after a life marked by innovation and leadership in technology and venture development. His career spanned nearly four decades at The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., and its predecessor, the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, where his work advanced the fields of guidance, navigation, control, fault-tolerant systems and decision systems.
Technical Career
Jim was born in October 19, 1938 and raised in Westmoreland City, Western Pennsylvania where he attended North Huntington High School and was awarded the Honors Scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1960. Following Ph.D. studies in Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh and further coursework at MIT, he began his long and impactful career at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory (later Draper Laboratory) first as a Raytheon Resident Engineer in 1963 and then as an employee of the Instrumentation Laboratory.
His technical publications define a trajectory of specialized expertise in high-reliability guidance and control systems for mission-critical applications:
Early Years (1970s): Inertial Sensor and Navigation Systems. His work focused intensely on the core technology of autonomous systems, including algorithms for three-gimballed inertial systems and rigorous methods for Failure Detection,Identification, and Reconfiguration (FDI) in minimally redundant and strapdown inertial measurement units (IMUs).
The Fault-Tolerant Era (1980–1985): System Reliability and Critical Applications.
James Harrison played a critical role in developing and evaluating fault-tolerant systems design (Group Leader, 1982-1984). His publications expanded to include reliability and availability analyses for critical systems, such as dual-redundant engine controllers (PW2037, V2500) and data collection systems for nuclear power plants (1981, 1982, 1985). This work moved beyond sensors to the reliable computing and control logic necessary for life-or mission-critical functions.
Autonomous Systems (1986–1989): Decision Support and AI. As Division Leader for System Sciences (1984-1986), his focus broadened to include large-scale decision systems and intelligent autonomous vehicles. He contributed to the development of real-time mission planning, decision-support systems for tactical aircraft, and the application of heuristic planning and expert systems within programs like the Pilot's Associate (1985-1989).
Leadership and Strategic Vision (1988–2002)
Beginning in 1988, Jim transitioned into senior leadership roles, culminating in his service as Director, and subsequently Principal Director, of New Business Development and Strategic Planning(1993–2002).
In this executive capacity, he was instrumental in:
Formulating and implementing Draper's technical strategic plans.
Directing and overseeing the $25M/year Internal Research & Development Program. Spearheading the development of Draper's emerging bioengineering programs and strategic partnerships, reflecting a remarkable expansion of his technical interests.
Launching Navigator Technology Ventures, Draper's for-profit venture capital arm, dedicated to identifying and nurturing the commercialization of new technologies.
He retired from Draper Laboratory at the end of December 2002.
Post-Retirement Dedication to Mentoring and Investment
After retiring, Jim channeled his passion for technology and new business into successful ventures and philanthropic mentoring. He continued to work with Navigator Technology Ventures and began his long tenure with the MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), which he joined in 2003. As a Lead Mentor with VMS he advised nearly 30 startups, focusing his vast experience on ventures centered around innovative technology and subsequently serving as a valuable advisor and board member for portfolio companies including FQS Inc. and Polnox Inc.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jim grew up in Western Pennsylvania and was proud of his roots. He was a dedicated alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a Life Member of the Alumni Association, Treasurer of the Student Government Board, and a member of Sigma Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Kappa. He made many lifelong friendships at Pitt and maintained those through annual visits to homecoming football games. His enduring commitment to his alma mater included establishing and funding the James V. Harrison Fund as well as contributions to Nancy Glunt Hoffman Endowed Chair in Oncology Nursing. At MIT, he has been a generous contributor to the annual fund as well as to a fund for graduate fellowships in the Departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Mathematics and Physics. Another beneficiary of Jim’s good will has been River Arts (https://www.riverartsvt.org/), a nonprofit community arts organization based in Morrisville, Vermont founded by Jim’s sister Joanne and her life partner Judith in 1999 who were former members of the board and continue as volunteers. River Arts is a valuable community asset to the wider North Central Vermont area, brings Arts for Everyone and offers scholarships to help all who need assistance thanks to Jim and other loyal donors.
Jim is survived by his sister Joanne Harrison of Morrisville Vermont.
Contributions in honor of Jim’s dedication to philanthropy may be made to:
The James V. Harrison Fund at the University of Pittsburgh.
The James V. Harrison Fund for Graduate Fellowships in the MIT Departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Mathematics and Physics.
River Arts