MS SC652

John A. James, Jr., age 96, passed away on March 21, 2016; he was one of Mississippi Valley State University's first faculty members, joining in 1951 to head the Science and Mathematics Department

James served at MVSU for over 40 years until his retirement in 1992, also serving as Director of the University's Office of Institutional Research

Born March 3, 1920, in Pascagoula, James was an Army veteran of World War II, graduated as valedictorian of his junior high school, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Tennessee State University

James was active in community service, including helping acquire the L.T. Brazil Community Center, chairing the Delta Authority Board for the Delta Correctional Facility, and serving as Treasurer of the Leflore County Democratic Executive Committee from 1994 to 2007

The resolution extends condolences to his surviving wife Irene (married in 1942) and their five sons, and directs that copies be presented to his family and MVSU administration