James Pressler ’69: “Brothers I will remember forever”

James Pressler ’69 followed his years at Lehigh, where he majored in electrical engineering, with a lifetime of service to his country, transitioning immediately into service with Air Force. 

James served four years of active duty at HQUSAF Security Service as a Communications Electronics Officer and then remained active in the Air Force Reserves until 1997. Upon completing his active duty military service, he went to work for South Central Bell (later Bell South) in central office engineering, retiring in 2007. 

Reflecting on his days as a student in Lambda Chi Alpha, he recalls that the population of the house was very diverse. “I wouldn’t say there was any one thing they were known for. If anything, scholastics was very good… and so were the parties.” 

His best memories include traveling to the Lambda Chi national convention in San Antonio, and all the good times shared with his brothers, in particular Stephen Cuyler and Jim Fisher. “We just had a lot in common and ran around a lot together.” 

When asked about a favorite hangout, James immediately recalls a favorite for generations of Lehigh students, the Tally Ho. 

In general, it is the camaraderie that sticks with him today: “We still have reunions. They are brothers that I will remember forever.”