James Roak '42
Date of birth: September 29, 1919
Date of death: November 16, 1943
Age: 24
Lucky Bag
From the 1942 Lucky Bag:
JAMES BONNYMAN ROAK
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Jim, Squeegee, Rumdum
After wasting the early part of his life chasing jackrabbits in New Mexico, Squeegee ventured into civilization to accomplish greater achievements. The experience at chasing jackrabbits earned for him a top position on the cross country team. His class standing has proved him to be a man mentally as well as physically. Squeegee's quiet good nature and subtle wit have won him many friends.
Cross Country 4, 3, 2, 1, N*; Wrestling 4, 2, w42t; Track 4, 3, 2, 42; Stars 4; 1 Stripe.
The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.
Loss
James was lost when USS Corvina (SS 226) was sunk on November 16, 1943 by a Japanese submarine.
His wife was listed as next of kin.
Class of 1942
James is one of 82 members of the Class of 1942 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of the alumni in Memorial Hall.