Jonathan N. Roth, 86, professor emeritus of biology at Goshen College, died March 13, 2024, in Goshen, Ind. He taught at the college for 42 years, from 1962 to 2004.

He was born in the Willamette Valley in Albany, Ore., on March 2, 1938. He graduated Goshen College in 1959 before earning his doctorate from Oregon State University. He returned to his alma mater in 1962 and dedicated over four decades to shaping the minds of students and advancing scientific research.

His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he played a pivotal role in establishing Goshen College’s marine biology program. His contributions to marine biology and education culminated in the college naming the marine biology station and laboratory in his honor in 2009: the J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station.

He invented and patented numerous innovative and easy-to-use microbiological testing methods and products. His products, methods and inventions are in use all over the world.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; his son, Geoffrey Roth of Boston; his daughter, Brooke Rothshank of Goshen; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Roth; his parents, Ruth and Urban Roth; and his parents-in-law, Orrin and Blanche Smucker.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. May 5 at College Mennonite Church in Goshen.