Watt, James G., 1938-

James G. Watt began his long and distinguished political career in 1962, when he joined the campaign to elect Milward Simpson to U.S. Senator. Upon Simpson's successful bid, Watt joined the newly elected Wyoming senator where he served as a legislative assistant and counsel. From 1966 through 1971, Watt held numerous Federal positions in Washington D.C. In July 1972, he was appointed Director of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. In 1975, Watt joined the Federal Power Commission where he served as its commissioner and vice chairman. In 1977, Watt became the President and Chief Legal Officer of the Mountain States Legal Foundation. On December 22, 1980, James Watt was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to become the 43rd Secretary of the Interior of the United States. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 22, 1981, and was sworn into office at the White House the following day. In the fall of 1983, Watt began receiving tremendous pressure from various interest groups, the media, and elected officials to resign. Under this scrutiny, Watt submitted his resignation to President Reagan on October 9, which became effective at noon on November 8, 1983. James Gaius Watt was born in Lusk, Wyoming, on January 31, 1938, to William Gaius Watt and Lois Mae (Williams) Watt. He was raised in Lusk and in Wheatland. He earned a B.S. degree in business (College of Commerce and Industry)from the University of Wyoming in 1960, and received his J.D. law degree from there in 1962. Mr. Watt married Wyoming native Leilani Bomgardner on November 2, 1957.

From the description of James G. Watt papers, 1958-2005, (bulk 1963-1983) (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 63174694

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