James Bainbridge

Obituary

Class of 1940

Apr. 11, 1922 – Aug. 10, 2002

James (Jim) Leo Bainbridge, 80, of Decatur, GA, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2002, at Piedmont Hospital after an extended illness. Born on April 11, 1922, Jim was raised in Weiser, Idaho. He enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1940 and served honorably during World War II on several ships, including the USS Mississippi, USS Chevalier, USS Adopt, and USS Friske. He also served at NTS San Diego, California, and PSC USNB at Bremerton, Washington, before being honorably discharged in August 1946.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Jim earned numerous honors, including the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal-Bronze A, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the European African ME Area Campaign Medal. He continued to serve in the United States Navy Reserve until August 1954.

After his active military service, Jim attended the University of Idaho, where he graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He then embarked on a lifelong career with the National Park Service, beginning in Alaska in 1949. Jim held various positions, including Park Engineer in several Midwestern and Western states, Chief of Operations in the Regional Office in Atlanta, and Park Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway, headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi, for ten years. He played a key role in extending the Natchez Trace to its current endpoint in Nashville, Tennessee. His dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Natchez Trace guided all his decisions regarding new construction and improvements. Jim retired from the National Park Service on November 30, 1990, after forty-six years of service.

A private graveside service for Jim was held on Wednesday, August 14, 2002, at Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville National Park, Andersonville, GA. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Edith Louise Wickham Bainbridge, of Decatur, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Kim Yarrington, of New Albany, Mississippi; granddaughter, Charlotte Louise Yarrington, of New Albany, Mississippi; daughter, Patrice Hallaman, of Lancaster, California; granddaughter, Tara Hallaman, of Lancaster, California; daughter, Terry Bainbridge, of Tucson, Arizona; granddaughter, Holly Bainbridge, of Tucson, Arizona; son, Steve Bainbridge, of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter, Julie Ann Bainbridge, of Denver, Colorado; and sister, Barbara Chattin, of Boise, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Humane Society. Arrangements were handled by H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill Chapel.

From The Atlanta Constitution – Atlanta, Georgia – Wednesday, August 21, 2002