Millbrook School: Better by Design Captain James Cannon '71

Captain James Cannon IV '71

The Importance of Giving Back

A nuclear engineer and former member of the U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration, Jim has always answered the call to serve wherever he is most needed. Millbrook has indeed been fortunate to claim him as one of our own. A most loyal alum, Jim has been an active and effective class agent, attending almost every reunion and many Millbrook receptions. He remains close with many school friends and is always looking to make new Millbrook connections. His wife, Lucy, has been by his side at every turn, and we are equally proud that she is a part of the Millbrook family.

Wanting to support the school they care so much about, while also enjoying financial and personal benefits, Jim and Lucy made the decision to include Millbrook in their planned giving. As a member of Millbrook’s 1931 Society, Jim will leave a philanthropic legacy that expresses their values and beliefs in a meaningful way, leaving a lasting impact on our school while maximizing the impact of their assets.

Jim shares this about his bequest and joining Millbrook’s 1931 Society:

Millbrook School became a part of my life in the fall of 1967 when I arrived as a third form student transferred over from Browning School in New York City. This choice proved to be a wonderful seminal and watershed moment in my life, which was forever changed for the better.

The early days were a difficult adjustment, but thanks to some wonderful teachers and seniors, I persevered that first year and continued to enjoy my time through graduation in 1971. As I look back on my life as a student and all I learned, I was a pretty lucky fellow through all those years of academic pursuits, athletics, community service, and extracurricular activities, which altogether broadened my life.

Of course, those days were 50 years ago. Yet, today, I remain a devoted admirer and supporter of the school that continues in the tradition Edward Pulling established in 1931; Non Sibi Sed Cunctis plus strong academics, sports, and community service remain excellent pillars of a Millbrook education.

I learned from my parents about the importance of supporting and giving back to those who helped us along the way. As I have reflected on all that Millbrook gave me over the years, and all the others who have benefited from their own experiences, I want to ensure that my support for Millbrook will continue. The best way to do this is as a member of the 1931 Society with a planned gift provision as a bequest in my will. My membership in this special society allows me to recognize all who have brought Millbrook to this point while supporting future members of the Millbrook family. I’m proud to celebrate our school and the values of Non Sibi Sed Cunctis while supporting Millbrook’s upward trajectory towards continually being Better By Design.