James M. Voorhees ’54

Jim died May 17, 2015.

Born in Plainfield, N.J., he graduated from Plainfield High School and was proud to become a third-generation Princetonian. Jim majored in psychology, wrote his thesis on music and emotion, and was a member of Charter and the Jazz Club. He and his roommate, Dick Lethen, collaborated on several musical scores. Jim wrote the music and Dick provided the lyrics.

Jim was drafted into the Army after graduating from Princeton. Upon completing training at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, he was transported to Fort Lewis in Washington, where he boarded a troop ship destined for Korea. Headquartered in Seoul, he began his tour of duty as a member of the occupation troops. As part of his assignment, he frequently traveled 35 miles to observe activities at the demilitarized zone. While in Korea, he became very interested in Asian culture and subsequently returned to the Far East many times.

Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to the western United States and retired from an information-technology management position in a large industrial company.

Jim is survived by Judy, his wife of 54 years. The class extends its condolences to her and is honored by his service to our country.