James G. Shennan ’32

The class lost an outstanding member when Jim Shennan died May 24, 1997, at the Presbyterian Home in Evanston, Ill.

Jim was an esteemed leader all his active life. At Princeton he was captain of the crew, president of the inter-club committee, a member of the student council, and valedictorian. Upon graduation he joined the Elgin National Watch Co., where he rose through the ranks from foreman to v.p. and plant superintendent. During WWII he helped the company convert to production of military watches as well as jewel bearings for many precision instruments. He was awarded the Legion d'Honneur from the French government for his involvement in the development of the first electronic watch. He was named president of the company in 1948, leaving in 1962 to form a welding supply business in Aurora, Ill. He was president and longtime board member of the National Association of Manufacturers. He also served as village president of Wayne, Ill., his hometown, and was active in civic affairs there for more than 50 years.

The class offers its heartfelt condolences to Jim's sons, James Jr. and Jerome, his daughters, Melissa and Elizabeth Loring, and seven grandchildren.

The Class of 1932