James B. Pearson

A Senator from Kansas. Born in Nashville, Davidson County, Tenn. , May 7, 1920. With his parents moved to Virginia in 1934 and attended the public schools of that State and Duke University, Durham, N. C. During the Second World War interrupted schooling to serve as a pilot in the Naval Air Transport of the United States Navy 1943-1946, and was discharged as a lieutenant. Graduated from the law school of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1950. Admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in Mission, Kans. , in 1950. Assistant county attorney of Johnson County, Kans. , 1952-1954. County probate judge 1954-1956. Member, State senate 1956-1960. Did not seek reelection but returned to the practice of law. Appointed on January 31, 1962, as a Republican to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Andrew F. Schoeppel. Elected on November 6, 1962, in special election for the term ending January 3, 1967. Reelected in 1966 for a full six-year term, and again in 1972. Served from January 31, 1962, until his resignation December 23, 1978. Was not a candidate for reelection in 1978. Was a resident of Gloucester, Massachusetts, at the time of his death on January 13, 2009.