James Bedford First person cryopreserved after certified death, psychologist, writer Date of Birth: 20.04.1893 Country: USA

1. James Bedford: The First Cryonics Patient
2. Early Life
3. Cryonics Pioneer
4. Cryonics Process
5. Storage and Movement
6. Personal Life

James Bedford: The First Cryonics Patient

James Hiram Bedford (1893-1967) was a psychologist, writer, and the first person to be cryonically preserved after legally declared dead. His cryopreservation in 1967 marked the beginning of practical cryonics.

Early Life

Bedford was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and earned his psychology degree from Stanford University. He became a professor at California State University, specializing in vocational counseling. From 1930 to 1956, he authored and published several books on vocational guidance.

Cryonics Pioneer

After being diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer, Bedford volunteered for a cryonics experiment in 1965, where his body would be cryogenically preserved. His cryopreservation took place in Glendale, California, on January 12, 1967.

Cryonics Process

Bedford's body was cryopreserved several hours after his legal death. The process involved perfusing his body with a cryoprotective solution, gradually cooling it with dry ice, and eventually plunging it into liquid nitrogen.

Storage and Movement

Following his cryopreservation, Bedford's body was initially stored at the Edward Hope Cryohospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and later moved to Galiso, Inc. in Southern California. In 1973, it was transferred to Trans Time cryonics company in Berkeley, California, and then to his son's residence until 1981. Finally, in 1981, it was moved to the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, where it remains today.

Personal Life

Bedford was married twice, first to Anna Chandler Rice, who died in their wedding year, 1917. In 1920, he married Ruby McLagan, with whom he had five children. He enjoyed photography and traveling extensively.