James D. Paulk Jr. ’57
James D. Paulk Jr. ’57 and his wife Pat
James D. Paulk Jr. ‘57 has a history of overcoming long odds to achieve his goals.
The first might be his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Paulk said, “Going to Annapolis was a dream for me.” His journey to the Academy was delayed but he ultimately earned his spot after spending two years at North Georgia College.
Paulk found his way to Annapolis, commissioned into the submarine community and then had a successful private sector career which included serving as operations manager at Procter & Gamble. After retiring from Proctor & Gamble, he launched his own consulting firm.
In 1990, Paulk took the lead to have gillnets banned in California to help protect marine mammals. The requirement for getting the initiative on the ballot was 625,000 signatures. Two previous attempts failed. Paulk’s efforts succeeded and voters approved the measure.
“That’s one of my greatest accomplishments,” Paulk said.
Paulk insists the greatest honor of his life was meeting and marrying Pat, his wife of 60 years. He met Pat while a midshipman, and their journey included three children, four grandchildren and a life of service. Pat, who passed away in 2017, took leadership roles in every organization she was involved with, Paulk said.
After arriving at the Naval Academy, Paulk wondered if he could measure up to the star athletes and high school valedictorians he joined plebe year. It was in Annapolis that Paulk found his call to lead.
He has been the president and chairman of five different boards and when asked to take charge of the gillnet initiative, he developed a team and strategy to ensure success.
Paulk also stepped up when classmate and former President and CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. Rear Admiral Ronald F. Marryott ’57, USN (Ret.), asked him to participate in the organization’s upgraded fundraising operations in the late 1990s.
“I don’t think I could ever give enough money to the Naval Academy to make up for what it has given me in life,” Paulk said. “Whenever I was asked to do something, I said yes, because I felt I had an obligation to this nation.”
Paulk continues to support the Academy and the Alumni Association and Foundation through contributions from his IRA. He said this method maximizes tax benefits while helping ensure future generations of midshipmen receive a world-class education and unparalleled opportunities.
“From a practical point of view, at the age of 70½ mandatory distributions must be made from an IRA,” Paulk said. “An IRA is a great way to donate money. Do you want your money to go to the Naval Academy or the IRS?”
Paulk recently published his book, Swimming for our Lives: A Naval Academy Graduate's Stories of an Adventurous Life, which documents the fight and release of “fish, big and small, from Georgia to Australia" and “a lifetime of happiness through relationships with family, friends, classmates and shipmates.”
Interested in supporting the Naval Academy Foundation by giving through your IRA? Contact the Office of Planned Giving at 410-295-4110 or plannedgiving@usna.com to learn more.