James P. Lape ’73

Jim died March 21, 2019, from complications arising from pancreatic cancer.

Jim went to Columbus (Ohio) Academy, where he was a three-sport athlete and county champion in the backstroke. He followed his father, Herb ’47, to Princeton, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history.

At Princeton Jim worked for Food Services as a student manager, was a member of Tower Club, and was the only walk-on who made the freshman heavyweight crew’s first boat. At Tower, Jim was a regular at varsity hearts and he played ping-pong and volleyball for the club’s championship teams. In volleyball, he was known for his thunderous claw spikes and was the go-to guy when the chips were on the line. Jim’s spirit was irrepressible and his sense of humor irresistible. He was a great raconteur who made everyone laugh and was famous for his bear hugs. He earned the nickname “Limpy” one spring for the way that he hobbled to classes on a sprained ankle.

After graduation Jim embarked on a successful business career, including more than two decades at Levi Strauss and later as chief executive officer at Downlite. After leaving Levi Strauss, Jim went on to earn a master’s in education and taught high school history in California. He also served on the board of Lasell College in Massachusetts.

The Class of 1973 offers its sincere condolences to Jim’s wife of 44 years, Suzanne; daughters Sarah, Megan, and Kathryn; five grandchildren; brothers Herb ’71, David, and Steve; and sisters Cynthia ’75 and Sherrie.