We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Charles “Chuck” Jimmy Staples, a cherished Life Member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, Inc. (CSSA), who died on January 30, 2025.
Chuck’s journey with cacti and succulents began in 1978, blossoming into decades of passionate involvement with the Mid-Iowa Cactus & Succulent Society and CSSA. As the longtime editor of MICSS’s newsletter, dedicated CSSA Historian, and author of an extensive two-volume historical work on key figures in the cactus and succulent community, Chuck’s contributions have left an enduring mark on our society. Chuck received the CSSA Fellow Award on June 15th, 2015.
His warmth, dedication, and deep knowledge inspired countless members, and his legacy will continue to thrive through the historical archives he so carefully curated.
A full obituary honoring Chuck’s life and contributions to the world of cacti and succulents will be featured in CSSA Journal, Issue 97-2. An obituary written by Chuck’s family can be found on this website, in addition to information about his memorial service.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire plant community who had the privilege of knowing him.
Important Succulentists Collection
This article is from a collection of biographies written by CSSA Historian Chuck Staples for the CSSA Archives.
Explore this collection
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