
American molecular biologist, geneticist, zoologist and Nobel Laureate (1928–2025)
1928 — 2025
Quick Facts
Profession
American molecular biologist, geneticist, zoologist and Nobel Laureate (1928–2025)
Born
April 6, 1928
Died
2025 (age ~97)
Name Origin
English
Timeline
scientist, writer, physicist
1928
Born in Chicago (1928-04-06)
1943
EducationStudied at University of Chicago (1943–1947)
1948
EducationStudied at Indiana University Bloomington (1948–1950)
1960
AwardAlbert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
1962
AwardNobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1965
AwardGuggenheim Fellowship
About
James Dewey Watson was an American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist. In 1953, he and Francis Crick co-authored an academic paper in Nature proposing the double helix structure of the DNA molecule, building on research by Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling. In 1962, Watson, Crick, and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for their discoveries concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its significance for information transfer in living material".
Read more on Wikipedia →Frequently Asked Questions
James Dewey Watson was an American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist. In 1953, he and Francis Crick co-authored an academic paper in Nature proposing the double helix structure of the DNA molecule, building on research by Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling. In 1962, Watson, Crick, an
The name James means "The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.. Etymology: The English New Testament form of Jacob, from James, from James, from Iācōmus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Iācōbus, from , from , from tr=Yaʿăqōḇ. Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Jacme for an intermediary between James and Jaume.". It is of English origin.
James Watson was born on April 6, 1928.
James Watson died in 2025, at approximately 97 years of age.
Name Meaning
The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.. Etymology: The English New Testament form of Jacob, from James, from James, from Iācōmus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Iācōbus, from , from , from tr=Yaʿăqōḇ. Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Jacme for an intermediary between James and Jaume.
The name James is of English origin, meaning "The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.. Etymology: The English New Testament form of Jacob, from James, from James, from Iācōmus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Iācōbus, from , from , from tr=Yaʿăqōḇ. Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Jacme for an intermediary between James and Jaume.". It is traditionally a male name.
Other famous people named James
James Joyce
Irish novelist and poet (1882–1941)
James Carter
president of the United States from 1977 to 1981 (1924–2024)
James Cook
British explorer, cartographer and naval officer (1728–1779)
James Madison
President of the United States from 1809 to 1817 (1751–1836)
James Watt
British engineer (1736–1819)
James Clerk Maxwell
Scottish physicist (1831–1879)
James — April 6, 1928
Zodiac & Calendar Signs
Western Zodiac
Aries
Bold, energetic, courageous
Fire · Mars · Mar 21 – Apr 19
Chinese Zodiac
Dragon
Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic
Earth · Yang
Mayan Tzolkin
4 Ahau
Sun — enlightenment, ascension, mastery
Celtic Tree
Alder
Courageous, passionate, confident
Ogham: Fearn · Mar 18 – Apr 14
Would you name your baby James?
Guestbook
Built on your work. Hope I did it justice.
— a researcher
Legend.
— anon
Your paper from '98 is still on my desk. Dog-eared and highlighted.
— a grad student
Actions
1971
AwardJohn J. Carty Award for the Advancement of Science
1977
AwardPresidential Medal of Freedom
2025
Died in East Northport