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James Lemon

1903 – 1977

American baseball executive

Bridge playerDiplomat
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About James Lemon

Lived 1903 – 1977 (aged 74). James Lemon was an American bridge player and diplomat, known for Washington Senators (1961–71).

James Hanson Lemon Sr. (May 14, 1903 – July 20, 1977) was an American investment banker from Washington, D.C. He is best known as the co-owner of the Washington Senators of the American League with James Johnston from through , and the principal owner and chairman of the board in . Lemon was born in Washington in 1903. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Princeton University in 1925.

During the 1930s, Lemon was well known in the world of contract bridge, serving as president of the Washington Bridge League and, in 1939, of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).

In 1963, Johnston and Lemon purchased the two-year-old Senators expansion franchise from their original principal owner, Elwood "Pete" Quesada. One year after Johnston's death in December 1967, Lemon sold the franchise to Bob Short. Lemon remained with the Senators as chairman of the board, retaining a minority interest in the team. Short later moved the Senators to Arlington, Texas, where they became the Texas Rangers. He was a frequent golf partner of Dwight Eisenhower, who appointed him as a special ambassador to Ghana.

Lemon was not related to Jim Lemon, the former outfielder who was field manager on the Senators in 1968.

Lemon died in 1977 at Washington at 74. His wife Martha died on December 21, 1996.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Bridge player, diplomat
Nationality
Known for
Washington Senators (1961–71)
Education
Princeton University

People in James Lemon's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James Lemon's

Frequently asked questions

Who was James Lemon?

American baseball executive (1903-1977)

When was James Lemon born?

James Lemon was born on 14 May 1903 in Washington, D.C..

When did James Lemon die?

James Lemon died on 20 July 1977.

What was James Lemon's occupation?

James Lemon was a bridge player and diplomat.

What was James Lemon known for?

James Lemon was known for Washington Senators (1961–71).

What nationality was James Lemon?

James Lemon was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James Lemon

· Wikidata: Q6137961

· DBpedia: James Lemon

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Lemon. https://biography.guide/james-lemon/

MLA: "James Lemon." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-lemon/.

Chicago: "James Lemon." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-lemon/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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