George B. Baldwin ’42

George Baldwin died Dec. 3, 2014, in Hanover, N.H.

Jim (as he generally was known) was born Aug. 23, 1920, and prepared at the Belmont Hill School. At Princeton he majored in public and international affairs and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was president of Whig-Clio and a member of the undergraduate council and Quadrangle Club.

When the United States entered World War II, Jim’s role was limited by an old foot injury. After the war, Jim continued his education at MIT, where he received a Ph.D. in economics.

In 1945, Jim married Harriet Brown. They had two children, Alan and Sara. Following his graduation from MIT, Jim spent two years teaching at Vanderbilt and three in Iran, where he functioned as an adviser to the government and “fell in love with the country.” After returning to the United States, Jim joined the staff of the World Bank and continued working there until his retirement.

Over the years, Jim became increasingly recognized as an expert on the Middle East and on Iran in particular. His great intelligence and warm personality made him a valuable resource in discussions about that part of the world.  

George is survived by his daughter, Sara; brother Robert; sister Nancy; and three grandsons. Harriet and his son, Alan, predeceased him.