Jett Clinton Arthur, Jr., age 90, died on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at his home in Metairie, Louisiana. Jett Arthur was born in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas on May 31, 1918 to Jett Clinton Arthur and Anna Alice Smith Arthur. He had lived about sixty-seven years in Metairie, Louisiana. Jett was married to LaVerne Pitts Arthur for fifty-six years and she preceded him in death in 1997. Jett is survived by his daughter, Martha Ann Stitsinger and husband Jon of Pearland, Texas; son, James Clinton Arthur and wife Alicia (Jurisich) of New Orleans, Louisiana; and daughter, Laura Jean Porter and husband Albert of Metairie, LA; His grandchildren are: Jennifer Lussier and husband, Allen of Pearland, TX; Arthur Lloyd Walters of Portland, Oregon; Christopher Stitsinger and wife, Lynda of Lake City, Florida; Megan Elizabeth and Jett Clinton Porter of Metairie, LA. Great-grandchildren are: Stephanie, Trevor and Caitlin Tilley and Greg, Jaime and Jessica Lussier of Pearland, TX; Heather, Brittany, Kaylee and Holly Walters of Portland, OR: and April, Dakota, Brandon, Cameron and Megan of Lake City, FL. Jett's brother, William Scott Arthur and his wife, Jean and son, Robert of Woodville, Texas also survive Jett, along with nieces and nephew: Shalone, Mavis, Barbara, and Roland, children of Jett's brother, Roland Smithie Arthur, who preceded Jett in death. He was also predeceased in death by his parents. Jett was predeceased in death by his brothers-in-law, Orland and Norvell Pitts and survived by Norvell's wife, Mildred Pitts and her children: Lennijo, Jerry and Susan. Jett Arthur graduated from Hemphill High School as Valedictorian in 1935 and was the first Eagle Scout in Sabine County. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1939, where he received a B.A. degree in Chemistry and from the University of Texas at Austin in 1946, where he received an M.A. degree in Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Shortly after beginning this career in Chemistry Research, Jett left his position to serve his country in World War II. He joined the United States Navy as a directly commissioned line officer in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater serving on active duty. He continued his connection with the Navy through the inactive reserves until retirement. Following the war, Mr. Arthur returned to his chemistry career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, located in New Orleans. He organized and headed biochemical investigations on enzymes and food processing and directed cellulose chemistry and products research utilizing nuclear radiation. He was a registered professional engineer (chemical) in Louisiana and a diplomate of the American Academy of Enviromental Engineers. After retirment in 1979, he continued to be active in chemistry by serving as a Technical Consultant on Natural Polymers, by maintaining active participation in professional organizations, and by serving as a Visiting Professor at the North East Wales Institute, Clwyd, United Kingdom. During his career, Mr. Arthur coauthored some 250 publications, including 37 U.S. patents, and edited or co-edited six books. He served on numerous editorial boards. Mr. Arthur was a member of many professional orginzations including: Alpha Chi Scholarship Society, Sigma Xi, honor society of scientists, American Chemical Society, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including: the 1989 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Stephen F. Austin State University, the 1980 Southwest Regional Award of the American Chemical Society, the 1984 Anselme Payen Award of the Cellulose, Paper and Textile Division of the American Chemical Society, the 1985 Polymer Science Pioneer Award, the 1988 Herty Medal from the Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society and the 1989 AIChe Award, New Orleans Section, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. In addition to his professional career, Jett served his community through active involvment in many areas. For this participation, he received the Citizenship Award from the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans, and a life membership from the Louisiana Congress of Parents and Teachers for service to youth. Jett also served in leadership positions with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Munholland United Methodist Church, where he served the church in many capacities throughout the years and will be remembered as a long time Sunday School teacher, A Memorial Service conducted by Rev. Gene Finnell will be held at Munholland United Methodist Church, Metairie, Louisiana on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the church reception area. His ashes were buried beside his wife, LaVerne, at the Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jett's memory to Munholland United Methodist Church, 1201 Metairie Road, Metairie, Louisiana 70005 or to the Jett C. Arthur, Jr. Scholarshop Fund, Stephen F. Austin State University, ATTN: Alicia Roland Chapman, P.O. Box 6096-SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962, Arrangements were handled by Letiz-Eagan Funeral Home.

Times Picayune 9/18/2008