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SM3c James Jumior Herring
James Junior Herring was born in Iowa City, Iowa on Dec. 15, 1920, and spent his life there until he joined the Navy in January 1939.
His aunt and uncle threw a going-away party with both a Valentine’s theme and a miniature ship as the centerpiece of the dinner table. HIs parents also hosted a naval-themed party for a dozen guests before he left for Great Lakes Naval Training Station north of Chicago.
Mr. Herring was a signalman and petty officer third class when he died on the U.S.S. Arizona in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
His father, James H., worked at the University of Iowa, first as a laborer and later as a truck driver. His mother, Ruth Rees Herring, was a homemaker. The son attended City High School and the Methodist church.
A memorial service was conducted at the church in January 1942.
Sources: birth certificate, Census, Navy muster rolls, Iowa City Press-Citizen. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.