News Death Notice
SCHLESINGER, James R. Feb. 15, 1929-March 27, 2014 James Rodney Schlesinger passed away on March 27, 2014. Starting in 1971, he was Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, then Director of the CIA, Secretary of Defense, and the nation's first Secretary of Energy until 1979. Over the next 35 years, Dr. Schlesinger would serve on numerous high level government commissions, task forces, and advisory panels. At the time of his death he was Chairman of the MITRE Corporation, a trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a member of the Defense Policy Board, and a trustee of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. He was born in New York City to Julius and Rhea Schlesinger, and was welcomed by his older brother Eugene Richard. He attended the Horace Mann School. His studies continued at Harvard where he received a bachelor's degree in Economics, summa cum laude, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and selected for the Frederick Sheldon Prize Fellowship. After his fellowship year in Europe, he returned to Harvard where he earned his master's and doctoral degrees in Economics. It was there that he met Rachel Mellinger whom he married at her family farm in Springfield, Ohio, in 1954. He became a professor of economics at the University of Virginia for eight years, followed by six years at the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, California. He then went to Washington. Dr. Schlesinger is the author of The Political Economy of National Security (1960), America At Century's End (1989), and a consistent flow of carefully considered articles and commentary. He valued education and personally endowed chairs at New York University and the University of Virginia. Friends and colleagues also endowed chairs in his name at Georgetown and Harvard Universities. He was instrumental in the building of a concert hall in memory of his late wife Rachel, who was an accomplished violinist. Throughout his life he supported hundreds of charities, including many birding organizations, as he was an avid birder. He is survived by eight children: Cora, Charles and his wife Francine Kelley, Ann and her husband Josef Lustig, William, Emily, Thomas, Clara and James; and eleven grandchildren: Emily and Andrew Schlesinger; Flenner, Lily, Martha and Ellen Hoagland; and Jacob, Tess, Rachel, Rebecca and Max Lustig. They will all miss his wry sense of humor, his twinkling eyes and sly winks, his songfests with guitar and harmonica, his readings of Winnie the Pooh, and his ever-present quiet support. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014, from 6-9 p.m. in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1801 St. Paris Pike, Springfield, OH 45504. James will be interred next to his beloved wife Rachel at Ferncliff Cemetery, in Springfield, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday April 26, 2014, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Virginia. You may express condolences to the family at www.littletonandrue.com
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My heartfelt condolences to the family of James Schlesinger.Although words cannot take away the pain, our loving Heavenly Father understand our circumstances and gives you the strength and power beyond normal to cope. May He grant you the needed comfort. (Philipians 4:6,7,13)
Rossy
March 28, 2017
Valenda Newell
November 24, 2016
I was very sad to read of James Schlesinger's passing.I had been trying for several months to find a mailing address for him so that I could send him a book on SE Asia oil and gas exploration. He played a pivotal but little-known role in the development of Indonesia's gas resources. Please contact me so that I can mail a copy of the book to a family member. [email protected]
May 12, 2014
Thank You for being the human being you were & representing Springfield, Ohio.
April 6, 2014
Dr. Schlesinger was rare among political people in Washington: he was first and foremost, an American. I treasure the many hours that we spent together at MITRE and in his home, discussing topics across the intellectual spectrum. He was a good friend, valued advisor and towering intellect. I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to Ann and the rest of the family.
Jim Chadwick
April 4, 2014
Sincerely sorry for your loss.
April 3, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
March 31, 2014
My condolences to the family. May God, who gives comfort to all, comfort you during the difficult days ahead. 2Cor 1:4
Muriel
March 31, 2014
I am sure that you are hearing what a great man your Dad was from everyone writing in. They are all obviously correct! But he was a very caring man, as well. It was a privilege to work for him. He and your Mom have left a wonderful legacy -- all of you!
Michelle Kozlowski
March 31, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
March 31, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Schlesinger children during this sad and difficult time. Hold tight to all your wonderful memories. Joan Yocum
March 31, 2014
Emily,
My thoughts are with your family and you.
Stai bene,
doc
March 31, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann and your entire family during this time. With love, Linda, David, Jackie and Josh
March 31, 2014
My family and I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to the entire Schlesinger family. My dad, Maj. Gen. John E. Morrison, Jr. thought the world of his friend. When my dad turned 90 in April 2008 Mr. Schlesinger sent a letter to be placed in a book for dad that we made. He was so touched by the words that were written. I'm sure he's thanking him in Heaven now. God bless your family and thank you for such a wonderful man and patriot.
Karen Sutton
March 31, 2014
Dear Schlesinger Family my condolences's to the Family for the loss of James Schlesinger.he'll surely be missed.
Faith tobin
March 30, 2014
Peace is what we all want....Ps 37:10:11
March 30, 2014
I would like to give my condolences to the family. I'm sorry for your lossy -Ecclesiastes 5:8, 9
March 30, 2014
My sincerest sympathies to the Schlesinger family at this most difficult time. May you be comforted in knowing that God is near to the broken hearted, he saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Jacqueline
March 30, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss may God help out family in times of distress. -Ecclesiastes 5:8, 9
March 30, 2014
It is with great sorrow that I send my deepest condolences to the Schlesinger family. I shall always have fond memories of my time spent with them. Peace be with you all.
Dan Nowak
March 30, 2014
Psalm 46:9. The future promise God will make wars cease to the ends of the earth. There will be peace all over the earth,
March 30, 2014
I knew this man was important when he walked up to my check in position at Calgary airport in the early eighties. The would is less of a place without this man. Thanks for your public service Sir.
Murray MacMurchy
March 30, 2014
Soon death will be no more
March 29, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Matthew McGuire
March 29, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
March 29, 2014
HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,SINCE THEY WILL BE COMFORTED."MATT.5:4..REGRETS TO FAMILY AND LOVED ONES........
March 29, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family if James Schlesinger. Soon all pain suffering and dying will be no more nor mourning nor out cry be anymore the former things will have passed away
Briana
March 29, 2014
It is with great sorrow that I wish to extend my most sincere condolences to the entire family. I will always remember the kindness that was shown to me.
Dan Nowak
March 29, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
March 29, 2014
Clara - Thinking of you and your family. So, so sorry for your loss.
Joan Killingsworth
March 29, 2014
Please accept my condolences. May all be comforted by the wonderful promise: " and he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more....the former things have passed away."
April
March 29, 2014
God assures us that if you draw close to him, he will draw close to you. My sincere sympathy. James 4:8
Richmond
March 29, 2014
To the family I'm sorry for your loss...Rejoice! For God's tent is with men, And he himself resides with them. No more will there be pain or crying, No sorrowing nor any dying; For God has said: I'm making all things new.´ These words faithful are and true.
Vivian
March 28, 2014
Our sincerest condolences to the family of James and Rachel Schlesinger from the Tryon family. Your father had great insight about US energy issues and maybe now history books will credit him for foreseeing the connection between good defense and a sound energy policy. James and Rachel were long-time friends of our mother Nancy and father Joseph Tryon, also an Economist. What a wonderful tribute James made to Rachel, founding the Rachel Schlesinger Concert Hall in her memory.
Elizabeth Tryon
March 28, 2014
To his children, your loss in our thoughts and prayers. Attached is one of his unique creations in the history of the United States. I will miss his maxims. [Dan 2:22]
Joe Wong
March 28, 2014
Rick Schwebel
March 28, 2014
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family.
March 28, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family of James Schlesinger. A sincere public servant who was deeply respected. Let the memories of him always remain and let the God of all comfort grant you peace.
March 28, 2014
My condolences to the Schlesinger family.May the god of all comfort, comfort your family during this sad time of loss.
J. Watkins
March 28, 2014
i did not personally meet mr. schlesinger, but i was on active duty with the us navy stationed in monterey, calif when he was there for a big nato conference! may he rest in peace and may the family be comforted by his devotion to his country!
michele phillips
March 28, 2014
Charlotte
March 28, 2014
I send my condolences. May God be with your family.
March 28, 2014
In this time of a loss of someone special in our lives be comforted to know God cares and will help us endure through his love with comfort and peace. We miss this talented person whom many no doubt respected and admired.
March 28, 2014
A great man ... and a fascinating and entertaining neighbour for many years. We will miss him deeply and we convey our sincere codolences to his many children and grandchildren.
Ross and Grace Betts
March 27, 2014
Rest in Peace
Scott Chamberland
March 27, 2014
We will remember him even at Friday night lighting the candles....appreciating our country where a talented son of two Jewish immigrants can become a minister, a trusted adviser of our Presidents;
Michael Furst
March 27, 2014
I was sorry to hear about the death of James Schlesinger. He served the public's interest for years. Family and friends can look forward to seeing him again with perfect health under the rule of the Prince of Peace forever.
Tom Smith
March 27, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that He cares.-1 Pet 5:6,7.
Y White
March 27, 2014
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