James Hartman Blessing ’49

JIM DIED of cardiopulmonary arrest, brought on by postpolio syndrome Dec. 17, 1990, at his home in Washington, D.C. Born June 13, 1928 in Philadelphia, Jim prepared for college at Central H.S. At Princeton he majored in English, graduating with honors. He was on the staff of the NASSAU LIT, sang with the Chapel Choir, worked at Commons and at the Student Sandwich Agency. He was a member of Prospect Club.

Following Princeton, Jim worked toward his Ph.D. in English at Harvard, Stanford, and the Univ. of Colorado, studying and teaching as he went. He returned to Harvard for two years, earned an MA. in government there, and finally his doctorate in medieval literature from Stanford. Jim married Juliette Breffon in 1955, and in 1958 joined the U.S. Office of Education in Wasington, D.C.

in 1966 Jim joined the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, where he became director of the division of fellowships and seminars, and the division of research. He retired in 1987. Over the years, Jim and Juliette enjoyed many summer vacations in Europe, visiting relatives. Jim's love of classical music and art continued throughout his life.

In addition to his wife, Juliette, Jim is survived by his mother, Caroline Blessing, and a brother, John Blessing III '52. To each of them the Class extends its profound sympathy

The Class of 1949