James H. Douglas, Jr.

I could not reliably find credible information confirming an American politician named James H. Douglas, Jr. born June 21, 1952. Some discrepant or misleading references exist (for instance, a BrainyQuote page listing that birthdate), but I did find well-documented information about a James H. Douglas, Jr. who lived from 1899 to 1988 and served in U.S. federal government roles.

Here is a well-sourced biography of that James H. Douglas, Jr. — if the person you meant is different, I can try to locate that one instead.

James H. Douglas, Jr. (1899–1988) – Lawyer, U.S. Government Official, and Public Servant

Learn about James Henderson Douglas, Jr. (1899–1988) — his life, service as U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Deputy Secretary of Defense, and his contributions to government, law, and public affairs.

Introduction

James Henderson Douglas, Jr. was an American lawyer and senior government official. He held a series of significant posts in the U.S. federal government, including Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of the Air Force, and Deputy Secretary of Defense during the Eisenhower administration. He was born on March 11, 1899 and died on February 24, 1988.

His career bridged public service, military affairs, law, and corporate roles. His influence was shaped by a deep engagement with defense policy in the Cold War era and his legal and financial background.

Early Life & Family

James H. Douglas, Jr. was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 11, 1899. Quaker Oats Company. Lake Forest, Illinois, where his family resided.

Douglas attended Princeton University (earning a B.A.) and, during his undergraduate years, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1918 (though World War I ended before he deployed). Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in England for a year, and then graduated from Harvard Law School in 1924 with an LL.B.

He married Grace Farwell McGann of Lake Forest, Illinois; her family had connections to several prominent figures, which added social and political links.

Early Career & Public Service

After completing law school, Douglas was admitted to the Illinois bar and briefly practiced law in Chicago (at Winston, Strawn & Shaw), but soon pivoted into the financial sector. Field, Glore & Company, an investment banking firm, by 1929.

In February 1932, during the Hoover administration, Douglas was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, a position he continued to hold briefly under Franklin Roosevelt.

After leaving government, he returned to legal and financial work in Chicago, becoming a senior partner at Gardner, Carton & Douglas.

Military Service during World War II

During World War II, Douglas served in the U.S. Army Air Forces in various staff and leadership roles. He was assigned to theaters spanning South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

His roles included deputy chief of staff of the Air Transport Command and chief of staff for Air Training Command. Distinguished Service Medal.

Roles in the Eisenhower Administration

Under Secretary & Secretary of the Air Force

In 1953, President Eisenhower recruited Douglas to serve as Under Secretary of the Air Force. Secretary of the Air Force on May 1, 1957, serving until December 10, 1959.

As Air Force Secretary, he oversaw significant developments in the U.S. Air Force during the early Cold War period, including emphasis on strategic deterrence and aerial capabilities.

Deputy Secretary of Defense

Following the death of Donald A. Quarles (Deputy Secretary of Defense), Douglas was elevated to Deputy Secretary of Defense by recess appointment on December 11, 1959, and later confirmed by the Senate.

During his tenure, he engaged in defense policy at high level during a volatile period of the Cold War.

Later Years, Private Life & Contributions

After leaving government service, Douglas returned to private life in Chicago. He served on corporate boards (e.g. American Airlines, Marsh & McLennan, Chicago Title & Trust, Metropolitan Life Insurance) and on institutional boards (he was a longtime trustee at the University of Chicago).

He received honorary law doctorates from institutions such as Princeton, Lake Forest College, and Grinnell College.

James H. Douglas, Jr. passed away on February 24, 1988, in Lake Forest, Illinois after a battle with cancer.

Legacy & Significance

Douglas is remembered as a capable administrator and public servant, with influence in defense policy during the Eisenhower years, bridging the civilian-military interface. His background in law, finance, and military service gave him a unique perspective in the bureaucracies of defense and aviation.

He also represents a generation of technocratic public servants who moved between government, military, and private sectors in the mid-20th century. His life illustrates the interplay of institutional leadership, wartime service, and governance during the Cold War.

On the Mistaken Birthdate (June 21, 1952)

The birthdate of June 21, 1952 appears on some quote-aggregation sites such as BrainyQuote, but I found no credible evidence or source supporting that attribution. The documented James H. Douglas, Jr. was born in 1899. It’s possible the 1952 date is an error, or refers to another person with a similar name.

If you had a different James H. Douglas, Jr. in mind (for example, a state-level politician or someone born in 1952), I’d be happy to help track down information about him. Would you like me to look for that?