James S. Moulthrop, a national leader in pavement preservation and recycling and former executive director of FP2 Inc., died Friday, Aug. 15. He was 86.
Moulthrop retired in January 2022 after serving FP2, formerly the Foundation for Pavement Preservation, since 2009. Over his career, he promoted environmentally sustainable road practices and worked to secure federal funding for preservation and recycling research.
He began his career in the 1970s with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, where he advanced to state maintenance and state materials engineer. He later held positions in the private sector with companies including Lubrizol, Exxon Chemical Americas, Koch Materials and Fugro Roadware, while serving on FHWA and ASTM advisory committees.
Moulthrop was known for championing the concept of applying the right treatment to the right road at the right time, helping shift industry focus toward cost-effective maintenance rather than rebuilding deteriorated roads.
He was inducted into the FP2 Hall of Fame in 2012 and later honored by the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association, Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association, and International Slurry Surfacing Association.
Moulthrop is survived by his wife, Martha “Marty” Moulthrop, and children Jamie, Meg and Molly.
An expanded retrospective of his career will appear in the Winter 2025 issue of Pavement Preservation Journal.
