James Keir Watkins ’40

Jim Watkins once noted, "In 1935 my mother and I drove East to look over the 'better' institutions of higher learning. Our first stop was Princeton. After an hour's stroll around campus I announced, 'Here's where I am going to college.' For 50 years I have never had any doubt this was the right choice for me."

On May 24, 1999, Jim died, after a lengthy illness. From Michigan, he concentrated on history, was active in interclub sports, and was a member and manager of the Triangle Club. He wrote for paw, joined Charter Club, and roomed with John Dykema and Scott Lytle. During WWII, Jim was an Army Air Corps officer located in the CBI theatre. He next earned his law degree at the U. of Michigan.

In early years Jim was class secretary, an area AG chairman, and class agent. We all could count on his friendly presence at Reunions and other class gatherings. Businesswise, he engaged in a variety of entrepreneurial endeavors but was principally connected with the Merchant Chemical Co. Jim was an enthusiastic golfer and active in church and local affairs in Darien, Conn.

He is survived by two sons, James K. and J. Randolph '71, brothers George H. '41 and John B. '45, sister Margaret, and numerous grandchildren. We will miss him greatly.

The Class of 1940