Joseph Clois Shivers, Jr.

Joseph Clois Shivers, Jr., age 94, of Venice, FL died on September 1, 2014. He was born in Marleton, NJ on November 29, 1920, and came to the Sarasota area in 1998 from West Chester, PA. Joseph received his B.Sc., M.A., and Ph.D. (in organic chemistry) from Duke University. During WWII, as a graduate student, he worked with the US Government developing synthetic quinine to help combat malaria for overseas troops. He began working for DuPont in 1946, and his research in synthetic fibers resulted in his invention of Lycra (spandex) – one of the most successful fibers of all time. He was awarded the prestigious Olney Medal for Achievement in Textile Chemistry, and the Lavoisier Medal, the highest honor within the DuPont Company. Surviving family members include his sons, Jeff and John, and daughter Barbara Carolus. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, and sister, Doris, and her husband William. Memorials may be made to Duke University in his name.