Charles F. James, Sr.
Charles F. James, Sr. is a proud 1962 graduate of William Grant High School whose life reflects a lasting commitment to family, education, service, and giving back.
Raised in Covington, Kentucky, Charles has deep roots in the Lincoln-Grant community. His connection spans generations—his father, Charles Andrew James, was a member of the William Grant High School Class of 1942½, establishing a family legacy closely tied to the school and the community it served.
Following his graduation from William Grant, Charles attended Johnson C. Smith University on an athletic scholarship. Although his college journey took a different direction as he assumed the responsibilities of raising and providing for his family, his belief in the importance of education never diminished.
Charles went on to build a successful career in the airline industry spanning more than 34 years. Throughout his life, he remained committed to helping others and supporting opportunities for young people.
That commitment eventually became part of the foundation of the Lincoln/William Grant Scholarship Foundation. As a co-founder and lifetime member, Charles has contributed not only financially but also by encouraging family members, friends, and others to support the Foundation and its mission.
His commitment to educational opportunity was further demonstrated through the establishment of the Charles F. James, Sr. Scholarship. An endowment gift from the WFJ Charitable Foundation in 2020 helped establish funding intended to provide two scholarships annually for years to come.
Today, the scholarship continues Charles's belief that helping a young person pursue an education is an investment that reaches far beyond a single award.
As Charles has expressed:
“The greatest legacy we can leave is an opportunity for the next generation to go further than we did.”
Through his generosity, leadership, and example, Charles F. James, Sr. continues to help create those opportunities—and to inspire others to do the same.
Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton
Educator • Leader • Lifelong Advocate for Education
Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton devoted her life to education, believing deeply in its power to create opportunity, strengthen individuals, and prepare future generations to make meaningful contributions to society.
Her own educational journey reflected that commitment. After graduating from Taft Senior High School in Cincinnati in 1961, Dr. Walton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Cincinnati in 1965.
Her pursuit of learning continued at the University of Akron, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Education in 1978 and a Ph.D. in Education in 1982.
Dr. Walton built a distinguished professional career as both an educator and administrator. Her service encompassed Cincinnati Public Schools, Columbus Public Schools, and Akron Public Schools. She also shared her knowledge and experience through part-time instruction at the University of Akron.
Yet education was more than Dr. Walton's profession. It was a value she embraced personally, practiced professionally, and instilled within her family. Her commitment to learning, achievement, and opportunity became part of the legacy she passed to her husband, children, and future generations.
In 2018, inspired by her life and the values she held so deeply, Dr. Walton's husband and children established the Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton Memorial Scholarship. Entrusted to the Lincoln/William Grant Scholarship Foundation, the scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing higher education.
Through the students who receive scholarships bearing her name, Dr. Walton's influence continues well beyond her lifetime. Each award represents another opportunity for a young person to learn, grow, pursue a dream, and ultimately make a worthwhile contribution to society.
Her life was devoted to education. Her family carried that value forward. Her legacy continues through every student given an opportunity to pursue theirs.