In 2004 it was timely to reconsider the personality of Jean RIST (1900-1944) who, sixty years earlier, was at the origin of the foundation of IRSID and who gave his life for the liberation of his country. This paper recalls his career from 1923 to 1943 at the “Établissements Jacob HOLTZER”, his active contribution to the “Cercle d'Études des Métaux” of Saint-Étienne right from the creation of this association, his commitment at the “Comité d'Organisation de la Sidérurgie” in 1943-1944 for the draught of the founding principle of IRSID, his participation to the “Résistance” until the sacrifice of his life. This paper should incite to meditate on the example of this visionary engineer, deeply concerned with research in industry and of this idealistic citizen, a man honored by SF2M by the creation of the Jean RIST medal.