James Bear

James Adam Bear Jr. James Adam "Jim" Bear Jr. died on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at home in Charlottesville, VA. He was born on November 13, 1919, in Roanoke, VA, to James Adam Bear and Elise Sheppard Bear. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke, VA, in 1939, and the University of Virginia in 1943, with a BA in History and in 1952, with a MA in History. At the University, he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Eli Banana Society and the Z Society. He was also a member of the varsity football team. In 1943, Mr. Bear joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific (Iwo Jima) in World War II and in the Korean War. He was a member of the Marine Reserves and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Bear served as Curator/Resident Director at Monticello from 1955 until 1984, an exciting time of procurement that established much of the museum that is in place today. Additionally, he authored a number of publications and research reports which included the annual Report of the Curator. In retirement, he enjoyed his family, fly fishing, tennis and was a devoted follower of all sports at the University of Virginia. Mr. Bear is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Caperton Armistead Bear; two daughters, Mary Caperton Freeman (Lindsay) of Kiawah Island, SC, Elise Sheppard Bear of Washington, DC; and a son, James Adam Bear III (Suzanne) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Mary Caperton Lester, William P. Lester and James Adam Bear IV. The service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2013, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Ivy, VA. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to the Salvation Army, or to charities of their choice.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.