James Mott French ’39

Jim died at his home on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Jan. 31, 2005.

He came to us from Hotchkiss and went on to the University of Michigan Law School. From 1941-45 he served as a major in the Army Field Artillery in the European theater. His unit, attached to Patton's Third Army, landed at Utah Beach and fought all the way across to central Germany. He was involved in the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded five decorations and four battle stars.

Jim and his brother co-founded the City National Bank of Detroit. He also served as president of the French Mortgage and Bond Co. and the Twin Gates Corp. He was president of Wayne State University Press, the Michigan March of Dimes, and was a director of the Dominion Forge and Stamping Co.

Known for his warmth, Jim loved being surrounded by family and friends. He was an avid sailor, skier, golfer, reader, and inveterate traveler. He and his wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Carrig, visited almost 100 countries.

Mary Ellen survives him, as do their four children, Mary, Rebecca, James Jr. '73, Catherine, and seven grandchildren. We extend to them our sincere sympathy.

The Class of 1939