James A. Shield Jr. ’60

Jim was born and raised in Richmond, Va., where his family roots went back to Colonial times. He came to Princeton via St. Christopher’s School there. Indicative of the breadth of his interests, Jim was both a horseman and fox hunter, and head cheerleader for the school. With us, he majored in biology, joined Charter, and was active in the Pre-Med Society, Whig-Clio, and Triangle Club. 

Jim was directed toward his chosen profession from an early date. He earned a medical degree at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1964 and did his internship and residency in psychiatry at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, followed by two years with the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md.

Returning to Richmond in 1970, Jim joined the psychiatric practice of his father at the Tucker Psychiatric Clinic, where he practiced until retirement in 2011. He was honored as an advocate for mental-health recognition throughout Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University established the James Asa Shield Jr. Chair in Psychiatry in 2000. 

Jim’s extracurricular interests ran decidedly toward Virginia Colonial and Revolutionary era history and many related institutions, including the Society of the Cincinnati (Va.), where he served as president. 

Jim died Oct. 24, 2021. His wife, Sandy, predeceased him. Jim is survived by their son, daughter, and one granddaughter. Our sympathies to them all.