Walpole, James

Description

James Joseph Walpole was born on January 4, 1920, in Rye, New York, the son of Caroline Taylor and James J. Walpole. He attended Rye Schools and Mount Herman School before being drafted into the Army in 1942. In Rye his family lived at 1076 Boston Post Rd.

James enlisted April 15,1942 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in Jackson, Mississippi when he received a care package from Rye.

Jackson Air Base, Jackson, MS
The cigarettes certainly do hit the spot when one gets low both in cigarettes and cash. This a swell base. The food is swell and the living conditions are OK. Thanks again for the cigarettes.

I appreciate it.
Pvt. James J. Walpole

James was eventually sent overseas to the China, Burma and India Theatre, where he spent the rest of his tour.

The China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater was the U.S. military’s designation for World War II operations in China, Burma, and India, focused on supplying China against Japanese invasion, reclaiming Burma, and tying down Japanese forces. Known as WWII’s “Forgotten Theater,” it featured daring operations like the “Flying Tigers” and “Hump” airlift, heavy fighting, significant Indian Army contributions, and logistical challenges, ultimately securing a supply route (Ledo Road) and tying down Japanese troops crucial for the larger Allied victory, though often overlooked in favor of Europe and the Pacific.

James was honorably discharged February 20,1946 as Sergeant Walpole.

He married Charlotte Hamblen Fisher in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on May 12, 1949. They had three children during their marriage and the family would make their home on Martha’s Vineyard.

James was a family man and loved to fish and garden. One of the crowning gloried in his life was in 1953 when he caught the largest striped bass in Massachusetts. He had the
honor of being presented the Governor Herter Bowl for the 51 pound 11 ounce fish. James was also known for growing dahlias which he proudly displayed.

He was a 50 year member of the Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge, a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post #186.

James Joseph Walpole died Friday, February 18, 2005 at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, he was 85. He and his wife, Charlotte, would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in May.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, two sons, Stuart and his wife, Donna, James and his wife, Jill and one granddaughter, Kate Walpole all of Edgartown; his sister and brother-in-law,
Marilyn and James Vater of Tuscan, California and sister-in-law, Audrey Wilson of California and several nieces.

His graveside service was held in the New
Westside Cemetery, Edgartown MA

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/169623350/jame…