James K. Vardaman Jr.
James Kimble Vardaman Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1894 Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | 1972 |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, Federal Reserve Board governor |
| Years active | 1914–1958 |
| Known for | Governor of the Federal Reserve Board (1946–1958), political advisor to President Harry S. Truman |
James Kimble Vardaman Jr. (1894–1972) was an American attorney who served as a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board from 1946 until 1958. During World War II, he held the rank of captain in the US Navy and acted as a political advisor to President Harry S. Truman. Before his military service, he practiced banking law in Missouri.
Early life
Vardaman was born in 1894 in Greenwood, Mississippi, the son of James K. Vardaman, who was both Governor of Mississippi and a U.S. Senator. His education included time at the United States Naval Academy and the University of Mississippi, culminating in a law degree from Millsaps College in 1914. He also served as a Captain in the United States Army during the First World War.
Career
Throughout the 1920s, Vardaman focused on banking law in Missouri, holding positions with Liberty-Central Trust Company and later at Tower Grove National Bank and Trust located in Saint Louis.
In World War II, he served with the United States Navy, including a deployment to Algeria, and by 1945 had become naval aide to President Truman. In this role, he participated in the 1945 Potsdam Conference and continued his advisory duties after the war ended.
Vardaman appointed Clark Clifford as his assistant; Clifford eventually took over as special counsel to Truman. According to Truman’s daughter, the President perceived Vardaman as suffering from "Potomac fever," indicating political aspirations that conflicted with Truman’s style.
During his time on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1946–1958), Vardaman supported policies involving price and wage controls. Following his tenure, he engaged in financial work based in Albany, Georgia.
Honors
In recognition of his naval service during World War II, Vardaman was awarded both the Legion of Merit and the Silver Star.
Death
He passed away in 1972.