James Ellis Mayer ’48

WE LOST Jim this spring in a tragic swimming accident off the remote Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Jim graduated from Exeter, Princeton, and Yale law. He was a political science major and a member of Key and Seal at Princeton. He served in WWII, and was awarded the Bronze Star for work in Korea.

Jim was, for many years, a magistrate in his beloved hometown of Johnstown, Penn., where he was famous for his civic work, especially on conservation affairs. An enthusiastic hiker, he blazed the Laurel Trail in Western Penn., engaged in whitewater rafting, and, together with Becky and friends, made a number of backpacking and canoe trips in the Alaskan wilderness.

Jim was a project person; when the sports program faltered in Johnstown, Jim boosted soccer into existence. After the steel mills shut down, Jim volunteered his legal services gratis to area redevelopment programs. in the words of the tribute made for him by his colleagues, he was "Johnstown's Renaissance Man."

Jim is survived by his widow, Becky (Schultz), three daughters, a son, and three grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and Johnstown'

The Class of l948