James K. Batten *62

James K. Batten, chairman of Knight-Ridder Inc. media conglomerate, died of cancer in Miami, Fla., June 24, 1995. He was 62.

Born in 1936 in Norfolk, Va., he earned his bachelor's at Davidson College (N.C.) and a master in public administration from the Woodrow Wilson School.

At age 21, he joined the Knight-Ridder organization as a cub reporter for the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer and became the chairman of Knight-Ridder 32 years later. In addition to his expertise in the media business, he demonstrated a profound concern for suffering by the victims of crime, corruption, and natural disasters. In 1992 he challenged the executives of each of the Knight-Ridder newspapers to start an individual public-service function. Several such projects have since won distinguished prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize for Meritorious Service.

He is survived by wife Jean, one daughter, two sons, and two granddaughters. To all his family, his personal friends, and his business colleagues, we extend our sympathy.

The Graduate Alumni