James, known to us as “Jim” or “Whit,” died Dec. 1, 2014, of complications from Alzheimer’s.
Jim came to us from Parkland High School in Orefield, Pa. A politics major, he was in the Glee Club and Orange Key, worked at food services, and ate at Quad. His senior-year roommates included John Bender, Lew Weinstein, Dave Lee, and Don Baraf.
Jim led an inspirational life. A skilled woodworker and gifted tenor in community opera and church choirs, he had strong, informed opinions on political issues. Above all, Jim was a person of deep Christian faith. After his first wife, Carol, died, he raised their two sons. He was blessed to marry Yola in 1993.
He had a wonderful, appreciative sense of humor and a clear-headed sense of himself. He made important contributions at the Department of Defense and elsewhere, but he clearly knew that this was only a part of his life. His family, his friends, and his faith in God were the defining aspects of Jim’s life.
Jim is survived by Yola; his sons, Chris and Corey; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. To them all, the class offers its deepest sympathy.