Electronics Technician Second Class

UNITED STATES NAVY

United States Navy

James Alton Musselwhite was born on December 9, 1933, in Fayetteville, N.C. He spent his early years there, attending Central Elementary School and Alexander Graham Junior High School.  James was a good student, making better than average grades.  He enjoyed sports and music, being a member of the school baseball team and a clarinetist in the Alexander Graham Band. James was also active in Scouting, and in later years became an enthusiastic bowler.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in his hometown.

While in high school, James joined the National Guard.  He became so interested in service-training opportunities that he decided to make the service a career.  He enlisted in the Navy in May 1957.

After completing his recruit training, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31).  He then volunteered for submarine duty and was selected for training at the Navy's Submarine School at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.  He successfully completed the course of instruction in February 1960.  He also completed a course of instruction in electronics and was assigned to his first submarine, the U.S.S. Chivo (SS 341) in April 1960.  While serving in Chivo, James became qualified as a submariner and was awarded his silver dolphins.

He was selected for advance training in nuclear power, and in March 1962, he completed a year-long course of study.  He was assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593), in June 1962, and completed further training in nuclear power in September of that year.

James had been awarded the Navy's Good Conduct Medal (two awards) during his naval service.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara L. Musselwhite of Elleresburg, Wash.; four children, Dennis Alton, Karen L., Sharon A., and Donald Allen, born on December 17, 1963.  He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Margaret S. Helms of Fayetteville, N.C., and his father, Mr. Herman H. Musselwhilte of Winston-Salem, N.C.