My dad was not a famous man, but he was a great man — at least in my eyes. He served his country in the military. He rose from humble beginnings to a high-level position in the corporate world. He was active in the community, helping those less fortunate than him. He loved his family, and his family loved him. The greatness of America lies not in its presidents, celebrities and billionaires, but in its ability to produce millions of men (and women) like my dad who work diligently, pay taxes, raise their families, practice their faith, give to the community and leave the world a better place. His death a week ago at the age of 90 warranted no news articles or paeans in the media. To a nation that did not know him, he was invisible. But the country is diminished by his passing. — JAB
Here follows the obituary that appeared in the Virginian-Pilot:
Norfolk – CMDR James Alton Bacon, USN, Ret., 90, died peacefully on April 16, 2017, in a local hospital. A native of Laurel, Del., he was the son of the late H. Alton and Evelyn Hastings Bacon.
A 1945 graduate of St. Andrew’s School, Middletown, Del., he was drafted into the U.S. Army in the closing months of World War II. After the war, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1951. He served at sea on five submarines, culminating with his command of the U.S.S. Tench SS 417. Subsequent duty included two tours on COMSUBLANT staff and other submarine-related billets.
Commander Bacon received a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a diploma in Naval Warfare from the U.S. Naval War College. He retired from the Navy after serving as submarine consultant at the Center for Naval Analysis. Following his naval career, he joined Sovran Financial Corporation (Bank of America) and retired in 1990 as Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Planning.
In retirement he led a full, active life. An Episcopalian, he was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and served as a member of its vestry. He was a member also of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Retired Officers Association, served on the Finance Committee of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and joined the board of directors of Lee’s Friends. For many years, he volunteered his time delivering meals to the elderly and driving cancer patients to their medical appointments.
In his later years, he was an avid reader of Tom Clancy thrillers, an indefatigable fan of Navy football, and all things lacrosse. He enjoyed the occasional glass of white wine and had a weakness for chocolate Oreo cookies.
Throughout his life, he conducted himself as a gentleman: with kindness, courtesy and modesty. He upheld the ideals of honor and integrity, and served as an exemplar to his family and to all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marguerite Overbey Bacon and his daughter, Mary A. Bacon and her husband John Crowder of Richmond, Va.; his son James Alton Bacon, Jr. and his wife Laura of Richmond, Va.; and his son Jesse Cabell Bacon and his wife Rives of Berryville, Va.; and eight grandchildren.
