Dr. James R. Gregg
SCCO Professor Emeritus James R. Gregg, O.D., D.O.S., D.O.L., '48, has died. Born October 26, 1914, the legendary optometric writer was 94 years old at the time of his death on September 29, 2009. He's survived by his wife, Bernice; son, Ron; daughter and son-in-law, Janell Shearer and Bob Bassett; and grandchildren Patrick Shearer, Jake, Sally and Kent Bassett.
Dr. Gregg was a powerful figure in the history of SCCO as well as the profession of Optometry. A prolific writer, Dr. Gregg's columns, articles, monographs, textbooks and presentations covered a wide range of optometric subjects, and appeared in virtually every professional publication. His book, Origin and Development of the Southern California College of Optometry, 1904–1984, continues to serve as the primary reference for the history of our great institution.
He authored three popular history books for the profession. They are: The Story of Optometry, American Optometric Association: A History, and History of the American Academy of Optometry, 1922–1986. His writings appeared in 200 different magazines or journals totaling over 500 articles. He wrote over 900 newspaper columns that appeared in more than 150 newspapers, about 100 brochures on vision, and 15 books.
Dr. Gregg also was successful as an outdoor writer. He published hundreds of articles on fishing, conservation, camping, and travel including cover stories for "Field and Stream" magazine. He was a regular contributor to "Family Camping" magazine and his articles spanned the geography of all 50 states. He combined his technical writing on Optometry and his love of outdoors and became a leading writer on vision for the sportsman and wrote the book, "The Sportsman's Eye."
Dr. Gregg earned two baccalaureate degrees from the Ohio State University – B.S., Business Administration, 1937, and B.S. in Optometry, 1942. He earned the O.D., degree in 1948 from SCCO, then known as the Los Angeles College of Optometry. He served on SCCO's faculty, 1947–84 and was named Professor Emeritus in 1984. He was Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, 1975–76 and Grants Administrator, 1976–84.
He received numerous awards and accolades over his long career. The California Optometric Association named him Optometrist of the Year in 1956 and he served that organization as President in 1958. The College bestowed two honorary degrees upon him, Doctor of Ocular Science, 1956 and Doctor of Letters, 1965. In 1982, the American Optometric Association presented him with its Distinguished Service Award and in 1989 SCCO's Alumni Association named him Distinguished Alumnus. In 2004, he was named one of the College's Centennial Honorees.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m., in the Student Lounge on the SCCO Campus. The SCCO Campus is located at 2575 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92831.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern California College of Optometry, Advancement Office, 2575 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92831.