From the Martin School website:
Dr James Martin 1933 - 2013
It is with great sadness that the Oxford Martin School has learned of the death of our Founder, Dr James Martin.
James Martin was an inspiration to millions – an extraordinary intellect, with wide-ranging interests, boundless energy and an unwavering commitment to addressing the greatest challenges facing humanity. For 25 years Martin was the highest-selling author of books on computing and related technology. He wrote a record 104 books, many of which have been seminal in their field, and was renowned for his electrifying lectures about the future. He was a Pulitzer nominee for his book The Wired Society.
James Martin was a passionate advocate of the power of ideas, and provided the largest benefaction to the University of Oxford in its 900-year history in order to create the Oxford Martin School. Professor Andrew Hamilton, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, said “James Martin was a true visionary whose exceptional generosity established the Oxford Martin School, allowing researchers from across the disciplines to work together on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing humanity. His impact will be felt for generations to come, as through the School he has enabled researchers to address the biggest questions of the 21st century.”
The School is his permanent legacy and a fitting tribute – a flourishing, vibrant community of the world’s leading minds, coming together to change the world for the better. He enjoyed the excitement and happy atmosphere of the School, and his kind and unfailingly courteous manner was greatly appreciated by all who spent time with him. The Director of the School, Professor Ian Goldin, said “The Oxford Martin School embodies Jim’s concern for humanity, his creativity, his curiosity, and his optimism. Jim provided not only the founding vision, but was intimately involved with the School and our many programmes. We have lost a towering intellect, guiding visionary and a wonderful close friend.”
25th June 2013
On a personal note, I met James Martin a couple of times, and he was always interested in pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and predictive power, and helping the human race. Without him, there would have been no FHI. We've lost a great contributor.