James E. Aydelotte was born in New Orleans,and  grew up in Memphis TN and Chincoteague Island VA.  After earning several degrees, including a Ph.D. (studying one year in Germany as a Rotary Scholar), he taught European history at the college level where he also served as an Academic Dean.   

In 1980 he joined the staff at the Rotary International Secretariat in Evanston.  As a senior manager, he served successively as manager of The Rotary Foundation, secretary of the international Board of Directors of RI, and executive assistant to the General Secretary and later to the President of RI.  In addition, he has served Rotary twice as a club president (once as charter president) and an assistant district governor, holding many positions at the club and district level.  He has also attended many international assemblies and conventions, and served twice as secretary of the RI Council on Legislation.    He is now a past governor in District 7670.   

While studying at Cambridge University, England, James met and married Margaret, a native of Britain.  In 1998, both James and Margaret took early retirement and moved to Western NC, where James has served as interim pastor to several churches.  They have three children and two grandchildren.  One daughter is a Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow and a Benefactor.  Both James and Margaret are Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors and Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation.