Deceased April 30, 2021
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In Memory
On the last day of April, Jim Mixter boarded a train bound for glory. Weeks before, his smoldering cancer had turned suddenly aggressive, to everyone’s surprise.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jim was known for his pleasant, even keel. He made friends not only in James and Phi Delt, but in classes (an economics major), the Glee Club (baritone) and the local business community. Jim took it as a badge of honor when folks beyond the College recognized his name. He once crafted a scheme to operate a train car serving pizza between Smith, Mount Holyoke and Dartmouth. While it never got on track, it exemplified the confluence of his entrepreneurial imagination, sociability and love of railroads.
In some ways, Jim was the early-’70s counterpoint to long hair and liberal politics. He was simply and unabashedly himself—usually right of center, but emphasizing “center.”
At Amherst, Jim discovered a lifelong passion for choral singing. He traveled with the Glee Club in 1972 to Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. After his MBA, he joined various alumni in the Mastersingers ensemble. For more than 20 years, he sang with the National Cathedral Choral Society, also serving on its board. In his home church, he graduated to tenor. Whatever it took for the good of the team.
Teamwork was something Jim valued and stressed throughout his career with Exxon. Numerous colleagues appreciated his honesty and collegial style. Those of us who attend reunions remember Jim as one who’d run errands quietly and keep things going. Not an attention-getter, not a soloist, but eager to listen, whether or not he agreed.
Our condolences go out to his wife, Lolly (Smith ’73). We know that Jim honored Amherst with a bequest. We commend his example to others.
Ted Wright ’73