Watha James Eddins

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Carl H.McNair, Jr. on November 26, 2013:

As reported in his "Washington Post" Obituary, Jim was a "Renaissance man who lived a wonderful and full life". Having served in Company E-1, adjacent to Jim serving in D-1, next door, charging down the same stoops to hundreds of formations during our four years as Cadets, I came to know him well - six decades ago. An accomplished fencer and Team Captain, four years on both the Cadet Chapel Choir and the Glee Club, he was a man of many talents and highly respected, to which all can attest. Moving into the Armor ranks upon graduation, Jim Eddins proved himself time and time again, in war and in peace. Successful in the toughest assignments, Infantry Advisor in MACV, earning his CIB, Company Commander, Battalion Commander,Dep Bde Cdr and senior Pentagon positions in JCS, ODCSOPS, XO to the Vice Chief of Staff, Army, and also to the Chief of Staff, Army. Having served alongside him in many of those years, I can assure you that such assignments are marks of excellence for any officer and Jim excelled in each, retiring with the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest peacetime award our Army can provide. On the home front, he was a family man, who leaves a legacy of love for life and for his wife, Ann, his children, grandchildren and step-children. In his years of declining health and disability, I was privileged, as were many other classmates and friends, to visit him in their beautiful county home, surrounded by beautiful gardens of flowers and vegetables and those who loved and cared for him. Jim remained alert, aware, and full of life in spite of his immobility. It was indeed humbling to be in his presence, sensing his positive attitude and spirit of faith with Ann by his side and his constant companion. Farewell, dear friend, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race - and run it well. May you now find peace and comfort in the arms of the Almighty - until we meet again. Grip Hands!! Carl McNair Friend, Classmate and Comrade-in-Arms

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