John Fielder Knowles ’50

Jack died July 31, 2003. He had been deeply interested in the schools in Mount Vernon and Fairfax County, Va., where he lived for many years. He died of heart failure just after completing a presentation to the school budget task force.

Jack came to Princeton from Hackensack, N.J., via the Moses Brown School. He was swimming manager, joined Cloister Inn, majored in the School of Public and International Affairs, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors. After college, he entered the foreign service, serving in Japan, Malaya, and New Zealand. He was political adviser to the high commissioner of the Ryukyu Islands during the period when Okinawa reverted to Japan, receiving the Army's highest civilian award for his work. Jack later returned to Okinawa as consul general.

Retiring after a 27-year career, Jack earned a degree from Georgetown Law School that he used in practice and on behalf of his community interests. His friends will remember his dedication, integrity, and kindness.

Jack is survived by Frances, his wife of 48 years; two children, Mimi Clark and John; three sisters; and four grandchildren. His father was in the Class of 1922. To the family, the class extends its deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1950