James Everman Drummond

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Bill Hadly on October 25, 2012:

Jim "Bulldog" Drummond was what is described as "a whole man". He excelled as a West Point cadet, an Army Officer, a father and a leader in civilian life. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1951. He was in the top 5% in academics and graduated as a star man. He was a pugnacious lineman on the West Point football team. And his first class year he became the Commander of Company F-1, a cadet captain, and my roommate. To this day he remains our commander. During his first class year he gave up part of his Christmas leave to help me get by retests in Engineering. Jim's military career was one success following another. He rose rapidly in the Army retiring as a Major General. He is mentioned in President Bill Clinton's book when Jim was commander of Fort Chaffee where the Cuban refugees were incarcerated. At one time when the refugees were causing problems in the local community, Governor Clinton put access to the community off limits. Jim told him that this action was illegal and threatened to use U.S. troops to keep it open. Jim won the day and even received mention from Clinton for his professional actions. We were neighbors on the faculty at West Point in the mid 1960's so our families got to know each other through many happy times. When his lovely wife Helen died, he met and married Jeanne the second love of his life. Jim settled in and became an integral part of the community life in Montgomery, Alabama. Jim also remained as leader of his retired classmates in Company F-1 and many associated friends. Among the many reunions and mini-reunions he attended was the infamous Montana Rendezvous in 2002. He and classmate Ray Gunderson drove west and joined the some 15 classmates for over a week of story telling and fun. A few years ago Jim volunteered for and was elected as the Class of 1955 Vice-President. I was honored to be invited to his 80th birthday celebration a few months ago, where several hundred of family and friends gathered to honor him. A remarkable man and a treasured friend to many! Bill Hadly

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