James Cable

James Cable retired as associate professor emeritus at Iowa State, supporting the education and advancement of concrete pavement engineering throughout his 30-year career.  He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from Iowa State University in 1964 and master’s in 1976 (transportation engineering). He later received a PhD from the University of Illinois in transportation engineering.

After graduation, Cable worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation until the US Army moved him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and the Republic of Vietnam. Cable worked in the industry before coming back to Ames in 1985. Cable began as an associate professor at Iowa State in 1986, where he spent his time dedicated to his students and researching cement concrete overlays. His research developed new methods and techniques, expanding industry capacities and education. His influence is seen in former students becoming industry leaders, in Portland Cement Concrete Pavement design and development and in the continuing education he provided for engineering professionals.

He earned numerous awards and recognitions from both Iowa State and professional organizations, such as the Iowa County Engineers Association Special Service Award, ASCE Outstanding Civil Engineer, College of Engineering Outstanding Extension Professor and American Concrete Paving Association Educator of the Year. Cable completed over 45 research grants as the primary investigator, published 27 independently authored articles, co-authored an additional 32 articles, and led over 50 technical presentations.

Cable’s legacy continues through the Dr. James K. Cable PCC Overlay Scholarship at Iowa State. This scholarship supports graduate students with an emphasis in Applied Portland Cement Concrete Overlay field construction research and an interest in teaching or working in the concrete paving industry in Iowa.