Background
Jirsa, James Otis was born on July 30, 1938 in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. Son of Otis Frank and Anna Marie (Skutchan) Jirsa.
Jirsa, James Otis was born on July 30, 1938 in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. Son of Otis Frank and Anna Marie (Skutchan) Jirsa.
Bachelor of Science, University Nebraska, 1960. Master of Science, University Illinois, 1962. Doctor of Philosophy, University Illinois, 1963.
Assistant professor сivil engineering, U. Nebraska, Lincoln, 1964-1965; assistant professor then associate professor, Rice U., Houston, 1965-1972; associate professor then professor, University Texas, Austin, 1972-1982; Finch professor engineering, University Texas, Austin, 1982-1984; Ferguson professor сivil engineering, University Texas, Austin, 1984-1988; director Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory, University Texas, Austin, 1985-1988; Janet S. Cockrell Centennial chair in engineering, University Texas, Austin, since 1988; department chairman сivil engineering, University Texas, Austin, since 1996. Research engineer Portland Cement Associations, 1965. Engineer H.J. Degenkolb Associations, San Francisco, 1980.
Fellow American Concrete Institute (TAC chairman 1985-1988, board directors 1987-1990, vice president since 1998, Alfred Lindau award 1986, Wason medal 1977, Reese award 1977, 79, Bloem award 1990). Member National Academy of Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers (committee chairman 1972-1981, Reese award 1970, 91, Huber Research prize 1978), Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (board directors), Structural Engineering Association Texas, International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineers, Nebraska Czech Organization (King Charles award 1983).
Married Marion Ansley Coad, August 7, 1941. Children: David, Stephen.