Hanover, N.H. — Robert “Jim” Crawford James of Occom Ridge died peacefully at home on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Jim was born on 26 Nov., 1926 in San Diego, Calif., the son of Rear Admiral Walter F. and Esther (Crawford) James. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1949. He was also a graduate of the General Line School, the Naval War College, and the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif.. While at Georgia Tech, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After graduation from the Naval Academy, he went through flight training at Pensacola, Fla. and was designated a naval aviator early in 1951. As a fighter pilot, he had two tours flying from carriers during the Korean conflict. In later years he was assigned to the Navy’s first supersonic fighter squadron and later commanded a squadron in Cuba. He also was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet Headquarters in Norfolk and later at Carrier Division Staff in the Mediterranean. He taught at both Notre Dame and Dartmouth NROTC units. After his tour at Dartmouth in 1973 where he was the last commanding officer, he retired from the Navy and became an agent for Connecticut Mutual and then a special agent for Northwestern Mutual.

He leaves his wife, Ann Van Etten James of Hanover, and their seven children: Randy (Beth) of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; Tia (Bradley) of Hanover; Brad (Sara) of Stowe, Vt.; Julie (Doug) of Monroe City, Ind.; Jim of Avon, Maine; Jason of Portland, Maine; and Vanessa (Alex) of Cornwall, Vt.; a brother, Colonel James D. James; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family greatly appreciates and would like to give thanks to Jim’s special caregivers: Vanessa Powers, Darlene Dubuque, Jaika Fontaine, and the late beloved Dale Kennedy.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service for family members only will be held at Pine Knoll Cemetery in Hanover at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society.