James R. McQueen, Jr. passed away on November 28, 1980 of a lingering illness. Jim was 63. In 1949 Jim founded the Trojan Boat Company, and his vision and energies expanded the company from a low-volume builder of outboard boats into a multi-million dollar business, one of the world leaders in the production of offshore cruisers. Jim remained president after the company became the Trojan Yacht Division of the Whittaker Corporation in 1969. In 1976 Jim left Trojan to become president of the boat division of Chris-Craft Industries, Inc.
Jim’s numerous official efforts in support of recreational boatoating and the marine industry included president of the NAEBM from 1968 to 1979, a two year term as charter member of the Coast Guard’s Advisory Safety COuncil and treasurer of ABYC, among other things. mcqueen texacoHis unofficial efforts in bahalf of boating were constant and unstinting. In 1970 Jim was named “Boating Man of the Year” by the New Yiork Marine Trades Association. Shortly before his death Jim learned that he would be the recipient of the Charles F. Chapman Memorial Award, given jointly by NMMA and this magazine for outstanding contributions to the sport of boating. Jim requested that the $1,000.00 prize go to the Calvert Marine Museum, Solomon, MD.