A New Jersey native, he prepared at The Gunnery. At Princeton he majored in economics, joined Cottage Club, became a cheerleader, participated in the CAA Program (for government flight training), and was in ROTC.
Commissioned in 1941, Jim was sent to Egypt to instruct British personnel in the use of American self-propelled artillery, then, after a short stint with the Free French forces, he was assigned to the 34th Infantry Division. In Italy he participated in the Battle of Cassino and the breakout from Anzio, before being wounded. He separated as a captain in 1946.
Jim then joined the family firm, H.A. Astlett & Co., in the import-export business, which involved worldwide traveling. He became chairman and CEO in 1966. Jim was chairman of the board of the Rubber Trade Association before retiring in 1982.
Jim then moved to the Wilmington, N.C., area, where he and his wife, Zip, became active in community affairs, including Jim joining the Hampstead Rescue Squad as an EMT.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Zafero (Zip) Pappas Paterson; his daughter, Page Robbins; sons James Jr. and David; four granddaughters; four grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.