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View a eulogy for James Harrison Ramsden, USMA '58, who passed away on August 13, 1998.

James Harrison Ramsden

West Point, 1958

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jack downing on August 31, 2002:

John and I were both in H2, although John was a year ahead of me. I admire both John and Jim.

Jim and I were in the 82d Airborne Division together. We were both artillery. Jim was well thought of for his skill as a fire direction officer. We saw each other occassionally and compared notes on life as a young artillery lieutenent in a hard-charging outfit.

Jim and I then reunited in the West Point Department of Chemistry. He and Rae came one year after Margie and I did. Those were good days. We enjoyed teaching, the social life of the Department, and living at West Point (although Margie and I lived in "Gray Ghost--which were converted barracks). Jim and I once put on a chemistry presentation and I recall that one part called for me to inhale helium and talk like Mickey Mouse. Unfortunately, the helium gave out and I had to fake it. We had good times and built a solid friendship. Jim built a solid reputation in the Department and returned to head it-- the only department head the class of '58 has. Interestingly, the current head, Col Dave Allbee, was a cadet and took chemistry from us.

Jim is a good man and will be long remembered.

Jack Downing

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