Jamie Adair

Jamie Adair (1934) was a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral who attended the original Williamsville High School on Academy St. Admiral Adair died June 29, 2005 at age 89 in Portsmouth, VA. In high school, he was an honor student and following graduation in 1934, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He was commissioned an ensign in 1938 aboard the USS Vincennes. After serving in World War II, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study naval construction and engineering, earning a master’s degree in 1944.

     He took on many roles during his 38-year naval career advancing in rank to rear admiral on July 1, 1966. He was coauthor of the text Fundamentals of Naval Construction and Ship Stability published by the U.S. Naval Institute. From June 1970 until his retirement in June 1972 he was commanding officer of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia. Admiral Adair received many commendations recognizing his service to the United States including the prestigious Legion of Merit Medal. Following retirement from the Navy, he was active in Portsmouth business, church and community affairs.

     He was named First Citizen of Portsmouth (1981) and was chairman of the Board of Directors of the South Hampton Roads United Way. He also served as chairman of the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, the governor’s appointee to the Virginia Naval Museum Authority, and was a member of the Portsmouth Kiwanis Club.

     Admiral Adair was one of four siblings to graduate from Williamsville High School. His sister, Barbara Adair Goodman, graduated in 1932, his sister Eleanor graduated in 1939, and his brother Robin graduated in 1942.