James M. Symons began his career in civil engineering by attaining his bachelor of civil engineering degree with distinction from Cornell University in 1954.

A year later, he earned a scientiæ magister and then a doctor of science degrees in sanitary engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1957. After graduating, Symons stayed with MIT, where he taught graduate-level sanitary engineering before beginning a 20-year career working for the federal government.

With his background in sanitary sciences and quality water control, Symons first worked for the Public Health Service before beginning a water-focused research career with the Environmental Protection Agency. Public drinking water was found to have high levels of organic, inorganic and particulate contaminants and thus required decontamination. Studies conducted in the 1970s, however, concluded that carcinogenic chemical byproducts could form during this process. During his time at EPA, Symons worked on preventing these dangerous contaminants from forming, making drinking water even safer for consumption.

In recognition of his sanitary engineering achievements, he received 12 national awards, including the EPA’s Silver Medal for Superior Service and Distinguished Career Award and the Research Award from the American Water Works Association.

In 1982, Symons joined the University of Houston, where he served as a Cullen distinguished professor emeritus of civil engineering. As well as serving as department chairman and director of UH’s environmental engineering program, he taught both civil engineering and graduate-level environmental engineering.

Symons was awarded the 1992-93 Chi Epsilon Excellence in Teaching Award for the Southwest District and tied for Outstanding Teacher of 1994. He received an Outstanding Teacher Award from the Cullen College of Engineering in 1994 and 1996, the same year he was awarded the Esther Farfel Award in recognition of his research and service. The Farfel Award is the highest honor a UH faculty member can receive. He retired in 1997.