E. Pendleton James

E. Pendleton James, 96, passed away on October 29. He grew up in Washington, Illinois and graduated from the University of the Pacific. He began his career at Aerojet General in California and went on to become a successful executive recruiter in Los Angeles and New York. In 1970, he was asked by President Richard Nixon to join his administration as the Deputy Special Assistant to the President for White House Personnel. He proudly accepted the job and relocated to Washington DC with his wife and two children. In 1973, he returned to California and joined Russell Reynolds Associates. In 1980, he was recruited by then president elect Ronald Reagan to act as Director for the Presidential Transition Offices personnel team where he successfully led the vetting of thousands of people for cabinet and sub-cabinet positions. After the inauguration, he was appointed as Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel. He left the White House in 1982 and moved to Greenwich Connecticut. He started his own executives search firm in New York where he spent the remainder of his career. He is survived by his wife Betty and children, Julie and Rob. Services will be held at the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich CT on Saturday November 8 at 11:00.