File:Lieutenant James Eagleson Mills in military uniform during World War 1 (PORTRAITS 2210).jpg

Handwritten on verso: Lt. James M. Eagleson, 69th Arty C.A.C. Died in WW1

Lieutenant James Mills Eagleson, of the 69th Coast Artillery Corps, died of pneumonia following influenza on February 19, 1919, at Newport News, Virginia. He had just returned, together with his unit, from France. En route he contracted influenza and his condition quickly worsened. A telegram was sent from the USS Mercury to the ship -- also in the midst of a transatlantic crossing -- conveying his father, Dr. James Eagleson, home following his service with the AEF as medical director of Base Hospital 50. Dr. Eagleson’s ship made port in New York first and he raced to Virginia, arriving in time to be there when his son’s ship docked. James died shortly after his ship reached Newport News with his father by his side. James was the oldest of four children born to James Beaty Eagleson and his wife, Clara Blanche Mills. A native of Seattle, "Jimmie" was a graduate of Broadway High School. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1917 with a degree in science. At the UW, Eagleson served a term as yell king and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. James married UW classmate Mary Geneva Sims in Seattle on November 24, 1917. James attended the first Officers’ Training School at the Presidio and graduated with a commission of second lieutenant. He was attached to the 69th Artillery at Fort Casey, where he was promoted to first lieutenant. In July, 1918, he accompanied his unit abroad. Several weeks later, Geneva gave birth to their son, James Sims Eagleson, in Seattle. Several years after his death, James’ parents set about building a new YMCA for the UW community. Eagleson Hall, home of the YMCA at the University of Washington, was dedicated to the memory of James in March of 1923. Four-year-old James Sims Eagleson led the ceremonial groundbreaking in June of 1922 and Eagleson Hall was completed at a cost of $100,000, including furnishings, in 1923. It remained the home of the YMCA until it was sold to the University in 1963. James is buried at Seattle’s Lake View Cemetery together with his parents. (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/153928122)