On Aug. 14, 2024, former Vitamin Retailer (VR) editor and industry consultant James J. Gormley died at age 61 in Delray Beach, FL from natural causes.
Gormley was an award-winning journalist, blogger, writer and editor specializing in medicine, health, nutrition and dietary supplements. He was a frequent contributor for various natural product industry trade publications and wrote six books.
He served as editorial director at VRM Media from 2006 to 2008 and remained a regular contributor for both Vitamin Retailer and Nutrition Industry Executive magazines.
“On behalf of myself and the entire VRM Media staff, we are so shocked and saddened to hear of James’ passing. James was a former editor-in-chief of Vitamin Retailer, during which time he made significant editorial and leadership contributions to our magazine,” said VRM Media President Dan McSweeney. “After leaving our company, James continued to be a valued writer for our publications over many years, up to and including our most recent magazine issues. We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’ family.”
VRM Media Editor-in-Chief Janet Poveromo, added, “James was an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for the natural products industry, as evidenced by his work with Citizens for Health and his most recent book, Health at Gunpoint. I worked with James for many years and was always impressed by his intelligence and extensive knowledge of the natural products industry. He will be greatly missed.”
Gormley served as editor-in-chief of Better Nutrition magazine from 1995-2002 and was part of a small cadre of journalists who revolutionized natural products editorial by pioneering science-centered coverage. He received nine GAMMA awards from the Grady College of Mass Communication & Journalism at University of Georgia for his health editorial in the magazine.
“James Gormley was always the consummate professional. Not only was he a prolific writer, but he was a smart writer. He made so many vital contributions toward educating the natural products industry,” said Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), chief scientific officer at Nutraland USA (Irvine, CA) and host of The Vitamin Professor podcast. “He was also one of the very first editors who gave me a chance to be a writer for our industry, for which I’ll always be grateful for that. I’m deeply saddened by the loss of this good man. Our industry and the world is poorer for his loss.”
From 2002 to 2006, he headed regulatory and scientific affairs at Nutrition21 (Saddle Brook, NJ) where he managed U.S. and global regulatory submissions. He also attended Codex Alimentarius meetings in Paris and Rome.
Gormley was also the president and senior policy advisor for Citizens for Health and principal of Gormley NPI Consulting. He was a regular co-host for the Citizens for Health Radio Show.
“James was incredibly kind and funny, and passionate about preserving access to natural health options. He was a tireless advocate for Citizens for Health,” said Betsy E. Lehrfeld, secretary and treasurer at Citizens for Health. “James never ceased to help us pursue a broadened local and national dialogue on behalf of everyday citizens about natural health. Having known James for many years, I will forever miss him, both personally and professionally.”
Citizens for Health Content Program Manager, Brenda Porter-Rockwell added, “James was my former editor turned mentor. I valued his advice and insight whenever I needed a professional sounding board. But working closely with him at Citizens for Health, I will miss his fierce devotion to consumer advocacy.”
Gormley was known for his expertise on a variety of topics including market analysis, trade relations, dietary supplements and ingredients, and nutritional supplement regulations.
“It is very sad to learn of James’s passing. He was a tireless champion of freedom and never tired of fighting a good fight. He will be sorely missed by our community,” said Marc Ullman, of Counsel at Rivkin Radler LLP and a VRM Media contributor.
Gormley is survived by his children, Natalia and Julian, and their mother, Juana. Services were held at Tillman Funeral Home in West Palm Beach, FL on Aug. 18.
