In Memory – March 27, 2025

James Flimen Biggart III

Dr. Biggart (Texas A&M ’71), 78, Berkeley, California, died January 19, 2025. Following graduation and after completing a surgical residency at the Berkeley Veterinary Medical Group, he joined the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine as a research associate in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. During his tenure, Dr. Biggart developed techniques to prevent scar tissue after laminectomies and the use of enzyme injections for dissolving herniated intervertebral discs in dogs. He also conducted research on hip replacements for dogs, including the evaluation of cementless prostheses.

Dr. Biggart was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is survived by his daughter, son, and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Sierra Club Foundation, 2101 Webster St., Suite 1250, Oakland, CA 94612, or Texas A&M Foundation, c/o Memorial Endowed Fund #34874, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.

Timothy Boosinger

Dr. Boosinger (Purdue ’76), 74, Auburn, Alabama, died January 27, 2025. From 1995-2011, he was dean of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. As dean, Dr. Boosinger successfully lobbied for the 1998 Agricultural and Veterinary Bond initiative in Alabama and expanded Auburn University’s contractual agreement to provide veterinary education for Kentucky residents. In addition, the facilities of the veterinary college doubled, its annual budget and research expenditures increased, and there was a substantial rise in private donations.

During his tenure at the veterinary college, Dr. Boosinger also served as a professor of pathobiology, as an anatomic pathologist known for his expertise in bone and joint pathology and in foodborne bacteria that causes illness in humans, and as associate dean for academic affairs. Following his service as dean, he was provost and chief academic officer of Auburn University, retiring in 2018. Dr. Boosinger later served Clemson University in several capacities—as interim dean of its College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences; interim dean of its College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities; special adviser to the provost; and co-chair of its veterinary college’s Steering Committee. Early in his career, he served three years as a captain in the Air Force Veterinary Corps. Dr. Boosinger subsequently earned his doctorate in veterinary pathology from Purdue University and joined the veterinary faculty of Auburn University.

A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, he was a past president of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and served six years on the AVMA Council on Education. Dr. Boosinger co-chaired the AVMA-AAVMC Joint Committee and chaired the former AVMA Task Force on Veterinary Internships. In 2004, Purdue University honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus. A 17-year veteran of the Air Force Reserves, Dr. Boosinger retired in 1996 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; two daughters; four grandchildren; and two sisters and a brother. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Community Ministry, 143 E. Thach Ave., Auburn, AL 36830, or toward the Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger Fund for Excellence in Veterinary Leadership, Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College St., Auburn, AL 36849.

Robert M. Bramman

Dr. Bramman (California-Davis ’55), 96, Salinas, California, died December 16, 2024. He practiced at Carmel by the Sea Veterinary Hospital in Carmel, California, prior to retirement. Prior to that, Dr. Bramman worked at San Rafael Animal Hospital in San Rafael, California. He was active with the Kiwanis Club and the Masonic Lodge. Dr. Bramman is survived by two sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren. Memorials, toward the Carmel High School Masonic Scholarship, may be made to Carmel High School Foundation, P.O. Box 223288, Carmel, CA 93922, or Monterey Bay Aquarium, Facility Development and Education, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940.

S. Morris Goldberg

Dr. Goldberg (Pennsylvania ’46), 101, Lafayette, California, died September 13, 2024. He was the co-founder of the former Animal Center of Walnut Creek in Walnut Creek, California, where he practiced until retirement. Dr. Goldberg previously worked for Pets Unlimited and practiced in Oakland, California. Early in his career, he served as a captain in the Army, also working for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Association. Dr. Goldberg is survived by three daughters, a son, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Ernest W. Kettel

Dr. Kettel (Washington State ’53), 96, Deer Park, Washington, died February 7, 2025. He co-owned a practice in Deer Park, where he practiced mixed animal medicine until retirement in 1993. His wife JoAnn; five children; 21 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 214 S. Weber Road, Deer Park, WA 99006.

Jack I. Longfellow

Dr. Longfellow (Missouri ’73), 78, Broken Bow, Nebraska, died November 20, 2024. Following graduation, he joined Grassland Veterinary Hospital, a mixed animal practice in Broken Bow. Dr. Longfellow eventually became a co-owner of the practice with his wife, Dr. Diane Longfellow (Missouri ’72). He also farmed and raised Angus cattle. Dr. Longfellow was a life member of the Nebraska VMA. His wife, a daughter, three sons, and 13 grandchildren survive him. His son, Dr. Todd Longfellow, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Maureen Longfellow—both 2003 veterinary graduates of Kansas State University—and his son, Dr. Dan Longfellow, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Kristin Longfellow—both 2006 veterinary graduates of Kansas State University—are also veterinarians. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Richard E. Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt (Iowa State ’64), 90, Appleton, Wisconsin, died February 26, 2025. Prior to retirement, he practiced in Lodi, Wisconsin, with a special interest in livestock. Dr. Schmidt previously worked in Traer, Iowa, and Assumption, Illinois. His two daughters and a son survive him.

A version of this story appears in the May 2025 print issue of JAVMA

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