James Roosevelt

I am saddened at the loss of an old and dear friend. James Roosevelt (obituary, Part A, Aug. 14) was a most interesting yet complex man who seemingly inherited some of the remarkable qualities of his mother, Eleanor Roosevelt, and a few of the flaws of his father, President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

One time we were discussing our parents, and Jimmy said, “I don’t think it was possible for mine to have been ‘good’ parents while they were so involved with millions in the public. But there were times, when they tried.”

MERYL MEYERS, Los Angeles