The death has recently been announced of James A. Sjolund (1932-2014), former State Supervisor of Music for the State of Washington. Sjolund was awarded the Grand Prix Humanitaire de France et des Colonies (the Cross of Merit of the Order of the Crown of Thorns), by Prince-Abbot Edmond II on 28 January 1977, at a champagne reception in honor of Distinguished Humanitarians at the residence of Lady Patte Barham in Los Angeles.

Sjolund received his San Luigi award for his work in helping to establish and guide the National Committee, Arts for the Handicapped, which had been the result of a year spent in Washington, D.C. writing grants. He received his master’s degree at Western Washington State College and saw service in the Korean War. After several years of teaching music in the Shoreline School District he became State Supervisor of Music. During a year’s assignment on Orcas Island he administered the Arts for the Rural School District program.

A man of wide interests, he enjoyed an active retirement and is survived by his wife of 59 years, three children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom the Abbey-Principality extends its condolences.