About Jim

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Dr. Jim Glanville (1941–2019) was a respected chemist-turned-historian whose decades of research helped shape modern understanding of Appalachian prehistory and early colonial encounters. A lifelong educator and independent scholar, he spent his encore years passionately publishing, speaking, and uncovering the untold history of Southwest Virginia—a region he lovingly named “Holstonia.” From his London roots to his Virginia Tech tenure and beyond, Jim’s enduring legacy lives on through Holstonia.co’s archives, lectures, and original fieldwork.

About Dr. Jim Glanville

Dr. Jim Glanville (1941–2019) was a retired chemistry professor, independent historian, and passionate advocate for the deeper truths of Southwest Virginia. Until his passing in 2019, he lived in Blacksburg, Virginia, with his wife, Deena Flinchum—a retired IT professional and dedicated community volunteer originally from Wytheville, Virginia. Together, they contributed greatly to local scholarship and civic service.

Jim’s professional journey began in London, England, where he was born in 1941. After completing his early education at Streatham Grammar School and Alleyns School, he worked as a Chemical Technician for the British Oxygen Company (1958–1959). He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from the Royal College of Science in London in 1962, then emigrated to the United States to pursue graduate studies. He received his Ph.D. in physical-inorganic chemistry from the University of Maryland in 1967, where he specialized in x-ray crystallography and molecular structures.

Over a four-decade career (1962–2004), Jim held positions in both industry and academia. He taught at the Bullis School, worked for FMC Corporation, and contributed to research in industrial hydrogen peroxide applications. In Virginia, he served as Professor of Chemistry at Virginia Western Community College and as Vice-President of R&D at Wen-Don Chemical Corporation, a producer of specialty chemical products for the coal industry. He spent a year as Visiting Professor at Virginia Tech before joining full-time in 1986 as Director of General Chemistry. Jim retired from Virginia Tech in 2004 as Emeritus Associate Professor of Chemistry, authoring 35 professional chemical publications, five patents, and a textbook used for General Chemistry for Engineers.

In his post-retirement years, Jim pursued a robust encore career as a writer, speaker, and independent scholar focused on the history and archaeology of Southwest Virginia—a region he uniquely named “Holstonia.” His contributions included dozens of presentations, peer-reviewed articles, and public education efforts spanning historical timelines, indigenous studies, and early exploration of the Appalachian frontier.

Deena Flinchum, his wife, continues to lead a meaningful encore career in volunteer work, particularly advocating for elder care and navigating complex health insurance systems for senior citizens. Her commitment has impacted both local organizations and individual lives across the region.

Together, Jim and Deena represent a legacy of intellectual contribution, regional preservation, and public service. Holstonia.co serves as a living archive of Dr. Glanville’s work and the rich cultural and historical fabric of Southwest Virginia.

“In retirement, I had the freedom to follow my passion for exploring the stories buried beneath the surface of Southwest Virginia. I called this region Holstonia—because its history deserves a name worthy of remembering.”
— Dr. Jim Glanville (1941–2019)

We invite you to share a reflection, memory, or insight connected to Dr. Jim Glanville’s life and legacy.

Whether you knew him personally, learned from his work, or simply feel inspired—your voice adds to the story.