Search by Name

Search by Name

James Fallon Obituary

James H. Fallon, 76, died Monday, November 20, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and raised in Loudonville, New York, by the late John H. Fallon and Jennie S. Fallon. Jim earned his bachelor's degree from St. Michael's College, a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and his doctorate in anatomy and neuroscience from the University of Illinois. He did his postdoctoral studies at UC San Diego, followed by his faculty position at the UC Irvine Medical College until his retirement in 2008. He is the first to demonstrate the large-scale migration and proliferation of neural cells in the injured adult brain. He studied human brain structure and function through the use of PET/MRI image analyses, which led to his particular interest in neuroanatomical correlates of psychopathology. Jim also authored two books, Virga Tears and The Psychopath Inside. After retirement, Jim continued to be busy doing research with colleagues, consulting with the military as well as numerous business interests.Jim is survived by his wife, Diane, his two daughters, Shannon Karian (Paul), Tara Alpin (Jason), his son James (Kathy), grandchildren, Fallon, James, Cooper, Jackson and Chloe, and a newly born great-grandson, Atlas James. He also was the brother to Jack (Maria), Peter, Tom, Mark (Terri) and Carol Morra (Greg) as well as uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.Jim was a prolific student at heart, and his constant quest to learn and discover made him a great teacher and storyteller. He traveled the world, lived life to the fullest, and made the world a more entertaining and interesting place. His sense of humor, and teaching his kids and grandkids how to fish, handicap, paint and play Scrabble will be greatly missed.There will be a celebration to commemorate his life in early 2024.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Dec. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Fallon

Sponsored by The Orange County Register.

Not sure what to say?





Gerry Stanewick

March 22, 2025

Jim's passing was a loss to humanity.

Bunch of our St. Mike's pals got together in Florida and Jim's college
roommate was among them. It made me think about him.

lili Li

January 23, 2025

I didn't know Professor Fallon before I just learned about his previous research in criminal psychology online, I was interested in his research and I wanted to know how his research was now, so I searched online for information related to him, but I learned that he passed away in 2023, I am sad and sorry for his passing, I hope this distinguished professor can rest in peace...

Liz Ellis

May 31, 2024

My best interview (in 25 years of doing radio interviews) was with James. I got him on my show here in the UK twice. He was so generous with his time and so great and telling the story of his life and career. Really gutted to find out about his death. Would have loved to talk to him some more. Life is too short. Glad to hear he lived it to the full.

CATHRINE ANNE KEY

April 28, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Emanuela

March 24, 2024

We loved spending much time with Jim and Diane. We have many fond memories of laughter, brain, art, wine, food, and travels. We miss Jim very much. Dominique & Emanuela

Joseph Carbonaro

March 1, 2024

Where did you go there's more work to be done such as Del Mar n Saratoga. Going miss our heated arguments over handi capping n seeing you barside at Del Mar n after at red tractions no one partied like you we were all 32 lengths behind. Classic was when you would put your seat back n slepted n dry up before driving a great Freind n regular guy since 1980 is gone I had some heartfelt things to say but somehow no one informed me of your service Iam glad you n Diane got to meet my wife who's a top oncology health care worker at the Chao center I will dedicate Del Mar 2024 to you n Elton John's rocket Mar. try to rip Where turf meets the surf n where you meet the angels. Joey aka big moe. Ps I told you the turf bias at Del Mar late in the meet .

Paula Moore

February 29, 2024

We are an A Level Psychology class in England, UK.
We are so saddened to learn of the passing of Jim. We remain inspired by his research and will continue to promote his findings.
Rest peacefully,
With love and respect
Miss Moore and students x

Kirsten Fleming

February 20, 2024

He was a mentor to me for a grant. Greatly missed in so many ways. Lived a large, generous life

Linda LaMarca

February 20, 2024

So sad to read that you have left us. Although we never met, thank you for always answering my emails regarding your work.

Single Memorial Tree

Lynn Hall

Planted Trees

Ceri Smee

February 3, 2024

So sad to learn that Jim had passed away. We are in the U.K. and my daughter contacted him when she was doing some research during her A Levels. He was lovely and welcoming, invited our family over to the USA and enabled her to work with researchers at University of California, Irvine. We met his family at his house, they were lovely.
We´re so sorry he was unable to come over and enjoy the Cheltenham Races with us, his other passion. Xxx

A

January 23, 2024

Your work has inspired me to continue learning about the human mind, behavior, and choice. I have nothing but respect for the man Fallon was and deep condolences for his family and friends.

The inspiration he sparks lives on

John Fellows

January 3, 2024

I have loved you since seeing you on Criminal Minds in 2009. And to begin working with you ten years later was a gift. Your PRESENCE will remain ALWAYS.

Larry Cahill

December 24, 2023

My sincere condolences to Jim's family. I always enjoyed my interactions with him. He was fun, not full of himself like so many academics, one of the last people with a true anatomists stunningly deep, detailed knowledge of brain structure, a knowledge base that helped me in my own work, and impressed me a great deal. But mostly just a nice guy, a pleasure to be around and work with, always willing to help. In many ways a model of what a person, not just a scientist, should be like. He will be missed. Larry Cahill

Ms K

December 24, 2023

Jim made everyones life better such a witty, funny and great person! And he so loved his beautiful wife Diane and family, I had the pleasure of meeting Jim in Saratoga through friends we had many laughs there at SIROS and at the pool we were friends for over a decade. I advised him his book was on the Jimmy Fallon show he loved that ! He lived life to the fullest and everyone he met he made their life better !!! Rest in peace Jim Love to the family Ms K aka 80 Percent

Sara Mungania

December 22, 2023

Just learnt of the sad demise of Jim Fallon. I cherish very good memories of Jim whom I met in the early 90s when he came to Kenya as a visiting Professor at the Med School, University of Nairobi.
I was later privileged to visit his laboratory at the UC Irvine in 1994-1995.
His great sense of humor, love for life......rest in peace Jim. Your memories will remain entrenched in the hearts of those whose life you touched.

Lynn Hall

December 22, 2023

To the Fallon Family,
Jim defines what is meant by true friendship. His heart was always in the right place. I am going to miss that bright shining face always.

Cousin

December 21, 2023

Last time I spoke on the phone with cousin Jim was two days after my sister Diane age 76 died three years ago. Cousin Jim and I kept in touch through email. Whenever I had a question he would email me back immediately. That was really special to me. He reminded me very much of my father Arnold. Funny , brilliant and the life of the party. He told me one of his the books he authored was inspired by my father. My deepest condolences to his wife Diane and family. ~ Katherine Wilhelmina Fallon

Tatjana

December 20, 2023

What an absolutely remarkable human being. I am truly blessed to have had Jim in my life. My life was made better with him in it. Fly high Jim

Carolyn Himes

December 20, 2023

Jim...an epic human who gifted everyone who experienced him. Sending love to his amazing family always.

Tom Flanigan

December 19, 2023

Brilliance combined with humorous distintive'Penache'!RIP Jim!

Single Memorial Tree

Richard Caivana

Planted Trees

Susan Charbonneau

December 19, 2023

Susan Charbonneau

December 19, 2023

Susan Charbonneau

December 19, 2023

My heart is broken to know Jim is no longer on this earth. I´ve known him for over 25 years. We became instant friends and communicated often. Not only was he smart but he was one of the most fun people I´ve ever met. My memories of hanging with Jim, the brothers and cousins will help to keep him alive. I am so sorry for your loss Diane and family. Thanks for sharing him all of these years. There will never be anyone like him. I´m sure he´s flabbergasted to find out there really is a God. Love, Q (his nickname for me)

Len Kitzes

December 18, 2023

A memorable guy in so many dimensions. My colleague, my friend, a nudge, and a guide.

Ellen Esrock

December 18, 2023

Jim was a passionate, creative thinker who gave fully of himself in everything he did. He was a generous soul--to family, friends and those he could help. I will miss him always. My deepest condolences to Diane and the family.

Tom Stephenson

December 18, 2023

He had the capacity to make me feel smarter everytime I was within his orbit. He was a great scientist. I have missed his insightful byplay and will always remember the exceptional times we had together. My deepest condolences to Diane, James and the entire family.

Tom Stephenson

Octavio Girbau

December 18, 2023

For almost 15 years I had the pleasure of talking to Jim Fallon almost every day. Jim had a blog where he held court for his many friends and family. The main subjects being politics, sports, and horse racing. He was a fabulous host due to the rare combination of a great personality, a sharp wit, and an incredible intelligence and education. He was an honest to goodness genius inside a regular bar denizen good guy. If you had a question Jimmy had the answer.

I'm going to miss him a lot as will all of his many friends and family.

My deepest condolences to Jim's family. May he rest in peace.

Richard Robertson

December 18, 2023

An intellectual fireball, outstanding teacher and scientist, and legendary humorist. Jim made the world a more interesting and entertaining place.
His is missed, and his memory is a blessing,

Ann Reed

December 18, 2023

I shall always miss irreplaceable cousin Jim. I am left with rich memories - many hilarious,
none mundane - of familial friendship and times shared from our respective high seats of humor at the Fallon cousins table. ... like our successful cousin-dozen weekend Bigfoot caper in Whitehall,
our Mayflower descendancy celebration, and regular online exchanges spanning decades. ...
until, finally, the last time Jim was able to phone, his closing with a one-time and pragmatic
"You know how much I love you, cuz." Back at you, cuz.

With heartfelt condolences to Jim´s beloved Diane, their children and
grandchildren, and to my dear cousins Mark, Tom,
Carol, Peter and Jack ...

Ann (Fallon Reed)

jane loftus

December 18, 2023

Dearly miss our longtime friend, and have so many fond memories.
Jane and Ron

Shanny

December 18, 2023

Forever in you Poppa C...

Maureen Quinn

December 18, 2023

My condolences to the family. Jimmy was good friends with my sister Patricia. He was at our house often when he was in high school. A great man.

Amy

December 18, 2023

Shannon and Family I am so sorry for your grief. He was indeed a great man. Facebook always asks if you could talk to one person from heaven who would it be....James would be my choice. I never got to hear his stories first hand but for 10 years Shannon has shared many with me. He's always sounded like a wonderful storyteller. I don't think I've had so much respect for someone I've never met. Cherish your memories. You are all so blessed to have had him. Sending love and strength.

Kathy Reddel

December 18, 2023

The best of the best. Passionate with his interests and generous with his time. A pleasure to be around, he will be greatly missed. Xox Kath

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results

Make a Donation
in James Fallon's name

Memorial Events
for James Fallon

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Fallon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more