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# National Guard's first African American adjutant general dies

By Sgt. 1st Class Karen WilliamsVirgin Islands National Guard

ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands - The first African-American to become a National Guard adjutant general, head of the National Guard forces in a state or territory, has died. Retired Col. Gerard Luz A. James Sr., the first adjutant general for the U.S. Virgin Islands, died Sept. 17 at his home on St. Croix. He was 80.

James served as the Virgin Islands’ adjutant general from 1973 until 1976. He was also credited with the formation of the U.S. Army Reserve in the Virgin Islands in 1952.

Arrangements were being made for his ceremonial pinning to brigadier general during the Oct. 14 celebration of the Virgin Islands National Guard’s 33rd birthday.

James scored a number of firsts during his lifetime. He became the first scoutmaster and founder of Boy Scout Troop 151, under the sponsorship of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Christiansted, St. Croix, in 1953. He held that position for eight years.

He was elected the first president of the St. Croix Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1954. The governor conferred the rank of honorary policeman on him during the same year

He graduated from Howard University School of Law in 1974 and became a member of the Virgin Islands Bar Association. He served as a senator during the 12th Legislature of the Virgin Islands in 1976.

James is survived by his wife Asta Klyvert James, three sons, a daughter and other family members who served in the U.S. military.

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