In Memory of Jim McElduff, co-founder of Altamont Environmental, Inc. (5/25/55 ~ 4/15/10)
James Sims McElduff, co-founder of Altamont, passed away on April 15, 2010, after a three-year struggle with cancer. Jim began working professionally in Asheville in the early 1990s. In 1996, Jim opened a branch office for The Fletcher Group, a South Carolina company. In 2001, the office became Altamont Environmental, Inc., when Jim partnered with Stu Ryman (current co-owner) and John Thornton to purchase the North Carolina operations from the Fletcher Group.
An environmental engineer for approximately 22 years, Jim focused on assessment and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination at many sites across the country where chlorinated compounds and Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs) were the contaminants of concern. Jim focused his efforts on Western North Carolina beginning in 1991. Jim planned and implemented large-scale groundwater investigations at industrial properties and solid waste landfills, developed innovative strategies for the investigation of PCE and TCE in indoor air; managed the design and construction of groundwater treatment systems, and supported legal counsel in complex property redevelopment and transfer issues.
Jim was blessed with an affable personality and he went out of his way to provide friendly, responsive, and technically sound services to his clients. Jim loved the North Carolina mountains and he invested considerable personal and professional time on issues such as sustainable groundwater use, responsible steep slope development, and long-range planning. Jim served on the Buncombe County Planning Board for three years, including one term as chairman. Although Jim often had strong opinions on issues, he was willing to listen to others opinions and change his view in response to a reasonable argument. His attention to accuracy, quality, and client service helped build a strong foundation for Altamont Environmental.
Surrounded by loving family and friends, including numerous Altamont employees and associates, Jim was laid to rest in his own apple orchard on April 17.