James W. Jennings ’59

Jim died peacefully March 5, 2023, close by his native Philadelphia and surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen Lippincott; daughter Elizabeth; son James; and five grandchildren.

Coming from Chestnut Hill and Phillips Exeter, at Princeton Jim dined at Cottage, majored in history, played varsity squash, enjoyed rugby, and had an entryway of roommates (Barr, Beall, Furman, Gongaware, Mosher, Robbins, and Vehslage). Enrolled in NROTC, he opted for the Marine Corps, serving three years as a communications officer at 29 Palms in southern California and gaining a love of the desert.

Following the Marines, Jim attended the University of Penn law school, then joined Morgan Lewis and Bockius in Philadelphia, where he was a partner for 32 of his 37 years, specializing in business and finance. 

In retirement, education, philanthropy, and sports were his interests. He served on the boards of the Shipley School, from which his children graduated; the Philadelphia YMCA; and the Radian Group. While squash and tennis were lifetime pursuits, he became passionate about golf in his 50s, often shooting his age well into his 80s. As a man for all seasons, he watched Turner Classic movies, did The New York Times crossword daily, read crime novels, and enjoyed classical music. The class extends its sympathies to the family.