James S. Brinks, retired professor emeritus of animal science from Colorado State University, is a nationally recognized animal geneticist and researcher. He is author or coauthor of 186 general publications, 69 Western Section of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) articles and 66 refereed journal articles that helped other animal scientists and industry members improve breeding practices. He served as investigation leader, coordinating research at 12 land-grant universities to improve beef cattle through breeding and genetics. He received the USDA Outstanding Service Award for this project. He has been honored with the J.R. Prentice Memorial Award for Animal Breeding and Genetics from the American Society of Animal Science and the Distinguished Service Award from the Western Section of the ASAS. Today, Brinks operates a small livestock operation consisting of 30 cow-calf pairs. His community service includes five years as a member of the Larimer County (Colorado) Planning Commission, six years on the board of directors of the Larimer County Farm Bureau, 10 years as a member of the Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal board of directors and two years as a member of the Agriculture Advisory Committee for Larimer County Commissioners.