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James G. Methven was born in Yonkers, NY on December 7, 1923; the son of Frank Thomas and Ruth (Gordon) Methven. He had one sister Helen and in Rye his family lived at 27 Adelaide Street. James was a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1942.
He enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Jim served on the APC-110 and the USS Tawana as a RM/2C, Radioman 2nd Class, from November 4, 1942 through December 15, 1945. View Muster Rolls
Jim was on the troop ship the S.S. Henry Bergh when it hit a reef off Liberty California, the ship split in half.
On May 31, 1944 under the command of Captain Joseph C. Chambers, the S.S. Henry Bergh was bound to San Francisco from the South Pacific and Pearl Harbor, overloaded with 1,300 sailors returning from the war, as well as a crew of nearly 100.
Navigating a wrong course, she was heading straight for South Farallon Island at 11 knots. A faint whistle was heard twice and almost immediately land was spied dead ahead. She ran hard aground on jagged rocks, 200 yards offshore. Passengers were shuttled ashore 25 at a time in each of the vessel's eight lifeboats.
Despite freezing cold water, treacherous surf and currents every one of the 1400 aboard was saved.
 Later in the war Jim would receive the Purple Heart for wounds received while on a bombing raid over Formosa and also was awarded five battle stars and a Presidential citation. View Discharge Record
After the war, Jim worked for McGraw Hill Publisher as Director of Management Corporate Accts. for 25 years.
He was a Mason and a Shriner and volunteered at the Claremont Senior Center.
He was also one of the people who were instrumental in establishing the Claremont Chapter of AARP.
James G. Methven, Sr. passed away May 4, 2011 in Claremont, NH.
James was the beloved husband of Elsie (Kovacs) Methven, they were married 47 years, Besides his wife, he was also survived by his sons James Methven Jr., Scott Methven and his daughter Sheri Methven, also four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents. Burial: Cremated, Ashes given to family or friend.
Birth: Dec. 7, 1923 Yonkers Westchester County New York, USA Death: May 4, 2011 Claremont Sullivan County New Hampshire, USA
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