James C. Humes (31 October 1934 – 21 August 2020) was an author and former presidential speechwriter.[2]
Humes was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on 31 October, 1934[1] to Samuel and Elenor (née Graham) Humes.[3] At age 19 he attend the
Stowe School on scholarship where he met
Winston Churchill who advised him, “Young man, study history. In history lie all the secrets of statecraft.”[4] After graduation from
Williams College he attended law school at
George Washington University.[1] While still in law school he wrote speeches for then-President
Dwight Eisenhower.[4] He served one term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1963-1965 representing
Lycoming county.[1]
Humes, along with
William Safire and
Pat Buchanan, is credited for authoring the text on the
Apollo 11lunar plaque.[5][6] Humes has written many books sharing his extensive knowledge of the modern history and political landscape.[4]