James Oliver Eastland, the formidable U.S. Senator from Mississippi, passed away on February 19, 1986, at 81, leaving behind a complex legacy. Known as “Big Jim,” his 36-year Senate tenure was marked by fierce opposition to civil rights and unmatched influence as Judiciary Committee chairman. His death in Greenwood, Mississippi, from pneumonia following a choking incident, closed a chapter on Southern politics. This blog explores the life and impact of a polarizing figure whose actions shaped an era.
James Eastland Obituary:
James Oliver Eastland, a prominent United States Senator from Mississippi, passed away on February 19, 1986, at the age of 81 in Greenwood, Mississippi. Known as “Big Jim” and the “Godfather of Mississippi Politics,” Eastland’s 36-year tenure in the Senate left an indelible mark on American politics, particularly in the areas of segregation, civil rights, and judicial oversight. His death, attributed to pneumonia following a choking incident, marked the end of an era for Southern politics.
Early Life and Education:
Born on November 28, 1904, in Doddsville, Mississippi, James Eastland was the son of Woods Caperton Eastland, a lawyer and cotton planter, and Alma Teresa Eastland. The family relocated to Forest, Mississippi, in 1905, where Eastland attended segregated public schools, graduating from Forest High School in 1922. He pursued higher education at the University of Mississippi (1922–1924), Vanderbilt University (1925–1926), and the University of Alabama (1926–1927). Eastland completed his legal education under his father’s guidance, gaining admission to the Mississippi bar in 1927. He practiced law in Sunflower County and engaged in agricultural pursuits, managing the family’s 5,800-acre cotton plantation.
Political Career:
Eastland’s political journey began in the Mississippi House of Representatives, where he served from 1928 to 1932, supporting the populist agenda of Governor Theodore G. Bilbo. His ascent to national prominence came in 1941 when Governor Paul B. Johnson Sr. appointed him to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy left by Senator Pat Harrison’s death. Eastland served briefly until November 1941, honoring an agreement not to run in the special election. In 1942, he successfully challenged incumbent Wall Doxey in the Democratic primary, securing a full term and beginning a 36-year Senate career.
As a staunch Democrat in a one-party state, Eastland became a powerful figure, chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee for 22 years (1956–1978), one of the longest tenures in Senate history. He also served as president pro tempore of the Senate from 1972 to 1978, briefly acting as vice president during periods when the vice presidency was vacant. Known for his segregationist stance, Eastland was a leading opponent of civil rights legislation, signing the Southern Manifesto in 1956 to resist school desegregation following Brown v. Board of Education. He claimed responsibility for defeating 127 civil rights bills, often by stalling them in his committee.
Eastland’s influence extended beyond civil rights. As Judiciary Committee chairman, he oversaw federal judicial nominations, famously leveraging his power to secure appointments, such as forcing President John F. Kennedy to appoint Harold Cox to the federal bench in exchange for supporting Thurgood Marshall’s nomination. His anti-communist fervor led him to chair the Internal Security Subcommittee, where he investigated alleged communist influences in media, government, and the Supreme Court.
In his later years, as racial dynamics in Mississippi shifted and black voters gained influence, Eastland attempted to moderate his segregationist image. In 1978, he met with Aaron Henry, head of Mississippi’s NAACP, to discuss potential black voter support, though Henry deemed Eastland’s record too entrenched in racial division. Eastland retired in 1978, returning to his plantation in Doddsville.
Legacy and Personal Life:
Eastland’s legacy is complex, defined by his resistance to racial integration and his formidable influence in Congress. Described as a symbol of a “vanished age of white supremacy,” he was both respected for his fairness in committee management and criticized for his unyielding opposition to civil rights. Colleagues like Hubert H. Humphrey and Edward M. Kennedy, despite ideological differences, noted his personal integrity and fairness.
Eastland married Elizabeth Coleman in 1932, and they remained together for 53 years. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son. His final public appearance was at the dedication of a federal building named in his honor in Jackson, Mississippi, shortly before his death.
Funeral Arrangements:
Funeral services for James O. Eastland were held on February 21, 1986, at the Methodist Church in Ruleville, Mississippi, followed by graveside services at the Eastland family plot in Eastern Cemetery, Forest, Mississippi.
Conclusion:
James O. Eastland’s life encapsulated the complexities of Southern politics during a transformative period in American history. His unwavering commitment to his convictions, particularly on segregation, shaped his career and the legislative landscape. While his actions drew significant criticism, his influence as a political titan in Mississippi and the Senate remains undeniable.