James Anderson Elkins Jr. ’41

Jim died in Houston Feb. 21, 2006.

A Texan born and bred, he came to Princeton from The Hill School. He majored in economics and graduated with honors. A member of Charter Club, Jim was circulation manager of the Princetonian and a member of Triangle Club.

After graduation, he joined First City National Bank. He retired as its chairman in 1988, having grown it into First City Bancorporation with 48 banks, all in Texas. He served as a director of American General Insurance, Cameron Iron Works, Eastern Airlines, Freeport McMoran, and the Hill Samuel Group Ltd.

Always active in civic activities, Jim was a trustee or director of Baylor College of Medicine, Princeton University, St. John's School, the Smithsonian Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, and the University of Houston Board of Regents.

Predeceased by his wife of more than 54 years, Margaret Keith Wiess, Jim is survived by his children, Elise Joseph, James A. III '74, and Leslie Sasser; and 10 grandchildren, including Jennifer Joseph Laporte '99 and Jim IV, who will join the Class of 2010.

The Class of 1941