Jim held various leadership positions at PMI, including its first CEO and Board Chair. He co-founded the PMI Delaware Valley Chapter, the Pharmaceutical Specific Interest Group, and the PMI Educational Foundation. He also managed the construction of PMI's World Headquarters, among many other projects and assets. In 1982 he was the first to be awarded the honor of a PMI Fellow Award.

Jim’s legacy began in the 1960s at SmithKline & French Laboratories, where the need for a professional community in project management was identified. He and four others founded PMI in 1969, famously at Jim’s kitchen table. He liked to tell the story about it and how it came about in detail. Since then, PMI has significantly influenced project management in the US and later globally by establishing a standard (PMBoK Guide), a certification (PMP) - other certifications were added over time - and a code of ethics. Establishing Chapters first in the US and Canada in metropolitan areas helped grow membership. Globalization of PMI and project management happened with establishment of Chapters outside North America, first in South Africa, Frankfurt and Sao Paolo. Big multinational corporations like IBM and HP benefited from global PMI products in their globalization.

Throughout his 37-year tenure at GlaxoSmithKline, Jim contributed to computer sciences, operations research, finance, and international marketing. He retired in 1997 but remained active in PMI, focusing on volunteerism, leadership, and mentorship.

His contributions have profoundly affected project management worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations. PMI President & CEO Pierre Le Manh said he is committed to advancing PMI in line with Snyder's vision. Jim Snyder is survived by his children, Lynda and Doug, and grandchildren.

For me, Jim was the soul of PMI for more than half of a century. Both members and staff respected him. His deep understanding of PMI, guidance, and moral compass helped PMI leadership and volunteers continue building what Jim started with others. I met him more than 20 years ago for the first time and many times after that, at conferences, board meetings, and Fellows sessions. He encouraged me to start my first Board term in 2006 and was well aware of what was happening at this time in Europe and Germany with a growing landscape of PMI Chapters. Jim also led the annual Fellow gatherings, welcomed the new Fellows, and advised the group. He helped count the votes during the elections of Board Officers. You could always find him at the PMIEF booth at the exhibitions during PMI conferences, explaining project management's impact on the youth and asking you to support it too.

I will never forget him - he was humble, empathetic, kind, and wise.

Meeting him was a privilege.

Thomas Walenta, PMI Fellow