Final answer:
The texts provided do not directly answer the question about which two astronauts entertained Jim's mother. A historical reference includes Alan Shepard's mission in 1961 observed by American dignitaries, but specific names of astronauts involved in the scenario described cannot be confirmed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to a historical event involving astronauts who kept Jim's mother entertained while waiting for news about a space mission. Although the provided texts do not directly mention who these astronauts might be, the closest reference is to Alan Shepard's mission in 1961 when many Americans, including notable figures such as Vice President Johnson and President Kennedy, were watching. Given the context, it may involve astronauts or significant individuals from the Apollo missions or the Mercury program, which were pivotal moments in the history of US space exploration. However, due to the lack of clear details in the texts provided, it's difficult to determine the exact astronauts referred to in the question.