James Sowerbutt Vandermade ’39

James Sowerbutt Vandermade ’39

Jim died July 20, 2006, in Gladwyne, Pa., where he and his wife, Peg, had lived since moving to the Waverly Heights retirement community after their longtime residence in Montclair, N.J.

After graduation Jim attended Harvard Graduate School of Business. He served in the Navy from 1941 to 1946, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander. His principal duty was as aide to Vice Adm. Ghormley in Hawaii and Europe. Then, until his retirement, he served as president of Sowerbutt Quarries in Paterson, N.J.

He was past president of the board of trustees of Montclair Academy and Montclair Kimberley Academy and past president of the Montclair Museum of Art. In retirement Jim served as our class trip coordinator, a daunting task, but he still had time left for golf, gardening, and occasional travel. After moving to Gladwyne he also served on various committees for that community.

Jim is survived by Peg; their son, James S. Vandermade Jr. ’70; daughter Lisa Vandermade Popick; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. We offer them our sincere sympathy.