James E. Leopold, Founder of Vulcanium/RighTech Fabrications, Passes

Vulcanium Corp./RighTech Fabrications founder Jim Leopold passed away on December 28 at age 99. His family said he was an entrepreneur, family man, unapologetic Cubs fan and military hero.

From the Leopold family:

A lifelong salesman, Jim purchased a Chicago-area manufacturing firm in 1967 specializing in titanium products for the metal finishing industry. The consummate salesman with an approachable pragmatism to engineering and design, Jim grew his little company into a leader in corrosion-resistant equipment. He was among the first to champion the widespread use of titanium grid coils in nickel baths, the replacing of hanging slab anodes with titanium anode baskets, and the introduction of zirconium to galvanizers. Through his leadership, Vulcanium Corporation was one of the earliest members of the Titanium Development Association, now the globally recognized International Titanium Association. To his many, many friends and colleagues inside and outside the industry, he was universally well-known and respected for his integrity and negotiating skills. Jim was also a pioneer in the titanium distribution business. In 1972, he opened Industrial Titanium Corporation, later known as Vulcanium Metals International, and now part of the United Performance Metals division of O’Neal Industries. A true war hero, Jim was drafted into the Army’s 47^th Infantry in 1941. Captain Leopold’s military leadership and bravery won him four Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and a battlefield commission during World War II’s North Africa and European campaigns. He remained active in many veteran organizations. Jim is survived by his sons Richard (president of RightTech Fabrications ) and Jay, and by his daughter Susie and their families.