Jackson Graham
Jackson Graham | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Mosier, Oregon, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 1985 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer, General manager |
| Years active | 1936–1976 |
| Known for | First general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) |
Jackson Graham (June 27, 1915 – March 2, 1985) served as a Major General in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and was appointed the inaugural general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Early life and education
Originating from Mosier, Oregon, Graham gained early experience working alongside his father, who supervised bridge construction projects such as the Golden Gate Bridge. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1936 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. During his time there, he held the position of student body president and was active in the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Military service
By achieving a top 3 percent ranking on an army examination, Graham secured a regular army commission in engineering. Throughout World War II, he operated within combat engineer units in the European Theater and commanded three heavy pontoon battalions at Remagen, earning a temporary promotion to colonel shortly before Victory in Europe Day. In the Korean War, he directed two engineer aviation groups. In the early 1950s, he held the role of chief of personnel for the Corps of Engineers. Subsequently, as district engineer based in Portland, Oregon, and later promoted to brigadier general in 1963, he led the Ohio River Division, managing civil and military construction activities across fourteen states. Elevated to major general in 1965, he assumed the position of Director of Civil Works. Following open-heart surgery in 1966, Graham retired from military service in 1967 due to full disability.
WMATA General Manager
Jackson and his wife Mabel Lee had intended to spend their retirement traveling in their motor home when WMATA Chairman Walter Tobriner and NCTA Administrator Walter McCarter convinced him to accept the role of General Manager. After verifying that the subway initiative would continue as planned, he agreed and officially took office on March 17, 1967. He stepped down from this position in early 1976.
Honors
- Distinguished Service Award from Oregon State University (1977)
- Induction into the Oregon Stater Engineering Hall of Fame (1999)