James C. Hormel ’54

The Class of 1954 lost James twice: when he left Princeton after his freshman year, and when he died Aug. 13, 2021.

James had come to us from Asheville School. Transferring to Swarthmore College, he majored in history, graduated in 1955, and married classmate Alice McElroy Parker. They had five children and remained close friends throughout his life after their divorce in 1965. He came out as gay in 1967. James earned a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1958.

Grandson of the founder of Hormel Foods, James was a fervent philanthropist, devoted to the advocacy of fundamental human rights, social justice, and public service. He served on numerous U.S. delegations, corporate, and nonprofit boards concerned with HIV and AIDS, LGBTQ, and human rights; received many accolades; and held three honorary doctorates. In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed him as ambassador to Luxembourg, the first openly LGBT person to be an ambassador, a sign that American diplomatic roles would be determined by demonstrated leadership and merit, not by how or whom you loved.

James was a talented musician, a witty companion and speaker, and a lover of small animals. When asked to share his greatest regret, he replied, “You can’t have them.”

He is survived by his five children, Alison, Anne, Elizabeth, Jimmy, and Sarah; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his husband, Michael P.N. Araque, a fellow Swarthmore alumnus.