James W. Symington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James W. Symington
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 2nd district |
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| In office January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1977 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas B. Curtis |
| Succeeded by | Robert A. Young |
| 12th Chief of Protocol of the United States | |
| In office March 22, 1966 – March 31, 1968 |
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| President | Lyndon B. Johnson |
| Preceded by | Lloyd Nelson Hand |
| Succeeded by | Angier Biddle Duke |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Wadsworth Symington
September 28, 1927 Rochester, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Sylvia Caroline Schlapp
(m. 1953) |
| Relations | Symington family |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent |
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| Education | Yale University (BA) Columbia Law School (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch |  U.S. Marine Corps |
| Service years | 1945–1946 |
| Rank |  Private first class |
| Conflict | World War II |
| Awards | Order of Friendship (2008) |
James Wadsworth Symington, born on September 28, 1927, is an American lawyer and politician from Missouri. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives for eight years, from 1969 to 1977. Before that, he worked as the Chief of Protocol of the United States from 1966 to 1968. This role involved welcoming important visitors to the U.S. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up and Family Background
James Symington was born in Rochester, New York. His father, Stuart Symington, was a U.S. Senator from Missouri. His mother was Evelyn Wadsworth Symington. James also had famous relatives on his mother's side. His grandfather, James W. Wadsworth Jr., was a politician from New York. He served in both parts of the United States Congress. His great-grandfather, John Hay, was the 37th United States Secretary of State.
School and Military Service
James went to several schools, including St. Bernard's School in New York City. He also attended Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School in St. Louis. In 1945, he finished high school at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. At 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as a Private first class from 1945 to 1946.
After his military service, Symington went to Yale University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. While at Yale, he enjoyed singing in The Whiffenpoofs and the Glee Club. He then studied law at Columbia Law School, graduating in 1954. On January 24, 1953, he married Sylvia Caroline Schlapp. They had two children and five grandchildren together.
Public Service and Political Career
Starting in Law and Diplomacy
After law school, Symington worked for the city of St. Louis from 1954 to 1955. In 1958, he joined the United States Foreign Service. He was sent to London to assist John Hay Whitney, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He served in this role until 1960.
He then returned to private law practice in Washington, D.C.. From 1961 to 1968, he held several government positions. These included working with the "Food for Peace" program. He also served as an assistant to United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Later, he became the Chief of Protocol of the United States.
Serving in Congress
In 1968, James Symington was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Missouri's 2nd congressional district. He served four terms, from 1969 to 1977. In the House, he worked on important committees. These included the Committee on Energy and Commerce. He also served on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. He led subcommittees focused on space science, research, and international cooperation.
In 1976, he decided not to run for his House seat again. Instead, he tried to win the Democratic nomination for a United States Senate seat. This seat was being left open by his father, who was retiring. He did not win the primary election. After his time in Congress, Symington returned to practicing law in Washington, D.C.
Later Life and Activities
After leaving Congress, Symington continued to be active in public life. He was a director for The Atlantic Council from 1986 to 2001. He also directed the Library of Congress Russian Leadership Program in 2001. In 1992, he started the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation. He led this foundation until 2015. In 2008, he received the Order of Friendship from the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
James Symington also enjoyed singing and made occasional appearances as a singer. He was a commentator in the 1990 Ken Burns film The Civil War. As of 2001, he was still practicing law. He specialized in helping clients with legislative and administrative matters. Symington was also a writer. In 1999, he published a collection of his poems, songs, and prose called A Muse 'N Washington: Beltway Ballads and Beyond.
