F1c James Clifton White "JC"

James Clifton White “JC”, was born June 1, 1921 in Garland, Texas 12 miles northeast of Dallas to James Clifton White Sr., (also known as “Jimmy” or “Buck”) a salesman, and Winnie Faye McCallum White, a telephone operator. James had one younger sister named Mary, who went by “Maxine” by most of her friends and family. 

By 1930 the family had moved to Dallas, TX and James attended Technical High School.   He enlisted in the Navy on Nov. 14, 1938 in Dallas and completed his basic training at the Naval Training Station San Diego, CA.  James Clifton White was assigned to the U.S.S. Arizona and first reported aboard for duty on March 11, 1939.

James was a Fireman First Class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. Some stories have said that James was not supposed to be aboard the U.S.S. Arizona the morning of the attack, as he had switched shifts with another crew member so that he could take an earlier leave and visit his family and fiancee.  That decision sealed his fate. 

Sources: The Dallas Morning News; Census; Navy muster roll. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona and updated by the efforts of “Operation 85”.  Special thanks to James’ cousin Wayne McCallum for providing the pictures and more detailed information.