Background
BEGGS, James was born on January 9, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of the late James A. Beggs and Elizabeth M. Beggs.
BEGGS, James was born on January 9, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of the late James A. Beggs and Elizabeth M. Beggs.
Student, Southern Methodist University, 1944. Bachelor of Science in Engineering, United States Naval Academy, 1948. Master of Business Administration, Harvard University, 1955.
Honorary Doctor of Laws, Washington and Jefferson College, 1972. Doctor Engineer Management (honorary), Embry-Riddle University, 1972. Honorary Doctor of Laws, Salem College.
Doctor of Engineering (honorary), University Alabama, University Colorado. Honorary Doctor of Laws, Maryville College.
Commissioned ensign United States Navy, 1947, advanced through grades to lieutenant Commander, 1954. Resigned, 1954; various management positions Westinghouse Electric Corporation, 1955-1968, vice president Defense and Space Center, 1968. Associate administrator advanced research and technical National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1968-1969.
Undersecretary Department Transportation, 1969-1973. Managing director Summa Corporation, Los Angeles, 1973-1974. Executive vice president, director General dynamics corporation, St. Louis, 1974-1981.
Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, 1981-1985. Board directors Franklin-Covey Institute, since 1987, Eyring, since 1988, CSAT. Chairman Space Hab Inc., 1988-1993, chairman emeritus, since 1993.
President DGI, 1987-1989. Chairman JMB Consultant, since 1988. Director GDI, since 1996.
Vice chairman board Howard County (Maryland) Charter Board, 1966-1967. Member Maryland Board Natural Resources, 1966-1967. Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Astronomical Society, National Academy Public Administration.
Member American Society for Public Administration, American Society Naval Engineers, Burning Tree Club, Chevy Chase Club (Bethesda, Maryland), Metropolitan Club (Washington), Wild Dunes Club (Charleston, South Carolina).
Golf, hunting.
Married Mary Elizabeth Harrison, October 3, 1953. Children: Maureen Elizabeth, Kathleen Louise, Teresa Lynn, James Harrison, Charles Montgomery.