James F. Babcock ’55

Jim, the first member of the Class of  ’55 to serve as president after graduation, died Sept. 2, 2022, in Blacksburg, Va. He was born June 16, 1933, in Caldwell, N.J., and attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where he was president of his class.

Jim majored in history, joined Quadrangle Club and the Triangle Club, and as a talented violinist, was concertmaster of the University Orchestra. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in his junior year. Jim’s senior-year roommates were Ray Fitzsimmons, Billy Head, Phil Richardson, and John Lankester.

After three years in the Navy Supply Corps, he became a vice president of Citibank’s overseas division with positions in Colombia and Belgium, where he was chairman of Financia NV. He moved into domestic banking with First Virginia Bankshares and served as chairman and CEO of the First Virginia Bank of Hampton Roads.

Jim was elected rector of Old Dominion University and was chairman of the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Economic Development Alliance, and the WHRO public TV station.

In retirement, he composed violin music and published several novels. He was proud that among his ancestors was Edward Shippen III, a founder and original trustee of Princeton.

Jim was a member of the 1746 Society. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret; their three children, Martha, Carolyn, and Frederick; and three grandchildren.