William James ’71

Bill died May 4, 2016, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bill grew up in West Palm Beach, Fla., and entered Princeton from Lake Worth High School as a National Merit Scholar. He majored in economics and roomed with Ackerman, Robson, Tiryak, Emery, and Sonenshein in Wilson College.

He is remembered for his infectious enthusiasm, his love of Florida, his willingness to share and discuss ideas, and the speedy driving of his green VW Beetle around campus and on frequent trips to Florida. In 1986, he married Cindy Taylor.

Bill did his graduate studies at Florida State University. He stayed in Tallahassee to work for the state of Florida for more than 32 years as an economist, investment officer, and chief operating officer of the Florida State Board of Administration. He retired from his state service in 2005.

Bill enjoyed traveling the world with Cindy, classic rock music, bowling, golf, hiking, white-water rafting, FSU sports, and his beloved dachshund, Nikita.

The class extends its condolences to Cindy, daughters Kari Ferguson and Kimberley Nichols, five grandchildren, and the rest of his family and friends.