James M. Jay

James M. Jay (1927–2008) was an American microbiologist who taught at Southern University and Wayne State University with a Ph.D. in bacteriology and biochemistry.

Early life On September 12, 1927, James Monroe Jay was born to parents Lizzie W. Jay and John B. Jay in Fitzgerald, Georgia. In 1945, Jay graduated high school before serving in the military until 1947, where he earned a sergeant ranking. He then moved to Henderson, Nevada and actively practiced scientific investigations, focusing on E.coli, out of his home laboratory. IAFP granted him the Fellow Award in 1999.

Legacy Since its publication and subsequent seven revisions since 1970, James M. Jay has been well known for his book, Modern Food Microbiology. IAFP created an award to honor James M. Jay because of his status as a member of the organization and his advancements, both in research of food safety and diversity in the field. The James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award honors a nominated IAFP member who has made developments in this science.