James H. Clement ’39

THE RETIRED CHAIRMAN of King Ranch, Inc., Jim died Jan. 2, 1994, at his Kingsville, Tex., home after an extended illness. Son of Pennsylvania Railroad President Martin W. Clement, Jim prepared at St. George's School. At Princeton, he was a politics major and served as Colonial Club's v.p. In the army, he achieved the rank of captain, was severely wounded in Normandy, and received a Purple Heart.

In 1947, Jim went to work for King Ranch, and in 1974, he was elected president of that historic South Texas ranch, which was founded in 1853.           

Jim was a Smithsonian trustee, a Missouri Pacific Railroad director, and chairman of the board of Kleberg First Natl. Bank. When Texas voters approved paramutual betting, Jim, an ardent Republican, was appointed to the Texas Racing Commission as its first chairman. 

In 1943, Jim married Ida Louise Larkin, daughter of John A. Larkin '13. In addition to Ida, he is survived by four daughters, including Ida L. Steen (wife of John T. Steen Jr. '71); two sons; and 12 grandchildren. Jim's brother, Harrison H. '34, died in 1985. Jim will be remembered for his unbending integrity and delightful sense of humor. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.