Sir James Armour
Biography of Sir James Armour
Professor James Armour and his dog Volga in the Vet School's stable
Sir James (Jimmy) Armour (1929-2021), was Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Parasitology, Professor of Veterinary Parasitology, 1985 to 1995; Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 1986 to 1990; Vice-Principal for Planning and External Relations, 1991 to 1995; Chairman of the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School NHS Trust from 1995 to 2000 and Dean of Faculties from 2001 until 2003. He was awarded the honorary degree D Univ in 2001.
After graduating from the University in 1953, Armour worked as a veterinary surgeon for many years in Nigeria with the Colonial Vet Service, returning to the UK in 1960, joining Cooper Technical Bureau (later the Wellcome Trust). He was appointed as Research Fellow at the University in 1963, a lecturer in 1967 (the same year he graduated PhD), a senior lecturer in 1970 and a Reader from 1973 to 1976. He was awarded a CBE in 1989 and knighted in 1995.
He was a veterinary scientist and teacher who specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of parasitic diseases in animals. He was involved in the development of Ivermectin, used to treat worms, lice and ticks in animals and to eradicate African River Blindness in people. He was also involved in the Vet School campaign to save the School when it faced closure in 1989-1990.
Armour served on many government and academic committees and other organisations and his offices included those of Vice-President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1998 to 2000, and Chairman of the St Andrews Clinics for Children in Africa, 2000 to 2005. He was British Boys Golf Champion at Hoylake in 1947, and club champion and captain at later clubs. He became captain, then president, of Royal Troon Golf Club, where he played regularly until 2019.
Summary
Sir James Armour
Veterinary Parasitologist
Born 17 September 1929.
Died 31 October 2021.
University Link: Dean of Faculties, Honorary Graduate, Lecturer, Professor, Vice-Principal
GU Degree: PhD,
Occupation categories: parasitologists; veterinarians
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Record last updated: 30th Mar 2022
University Connections
University Roles
- Vice-Principal, 1991-1995
- Dean of Faculties, 2001-2003
- Honorary Graduate
- Lecturer
- Professor
Academic Posts
Professorships:
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I was at school (Marr College, Troon) with James (Jimmy to his classmates) and occasionally played golf with him. He was, however, too good for me and went on to win the Boys' Open. He was a friendly, generous companion. Among other friends was Douglas Munn who also went on to do well academically. I am happy to see that he is still alive and working!