James B. Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James B. Adams
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| 3rd and 4th Associate Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation | |
| In office April 6, 1978 – May 11, 1979 |
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| Succeeded by | Floyd I. Clarke |
| In office June 22, 1973 – February 5, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Mark Felt |
| Acting Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation | |
| In office February 15, 1978 – February 23, 1978 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Clarence M. Kelley |
| Succeeded by | William H. Webster |
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives | |
| In office January 9, 1951 – August 6, 1951 |
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| Succeeded by | W. H. Gant |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Blackburn Adams
December 21, 1926 Corsicana, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | April 25, 2020 (aged 93) Kerrville, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Baylor University (BA, LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
James Blackburn Adams (born December 21, 1926 – died April 25, 2020) was an important American lawyer and politician. He also served as a top leader, called an associate director, at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) twice.
Early Life and Education
James B. Adams was born in Corsicana, Texas in 1926. When he was young, he joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He helped by working as a translator, changing Japanese words into English. After the war, he went to Baylor University in Texas. There, he earned a degree in arts and then a law degree from Baylor Law School. In 2007, Baylor University gave him a special award for being a distinguished former student.
Career Highlights
After finishing law school, Adams became a lawyer who worked for the government, called a prosecuting attorney. In 1950, he was chosen to be a member of the Texas House of Representatives, which is part of the state government. He started this job in 1951 as a member of the Democratic Party. Later that year, he left his position to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Working for the FBI
As an FBI special agent, Adams worked in different cities like Seattle and San Francisco. In 1959, he became an assistant special agent in charge in Minneapolis. By 1972, he was promoted to special agent in charge of the FBI office in San Antonio, Texas. The next year, he moved to a leadership role in Washington D.C., helping to plan and evaluate FBI operations.
In 1978, Adams briefly served as the Acting Director of the FBI. This happened when the previous director retired and before a new one was officially chosen. He retired from the FBI in 1979. After that, he returned to Texas and became the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety from 1980 to 1987. This department helps keep people safe in Texas.
Personal Life
James Adams was married to Ione LaRae Winistorfer starting in September 1955. They were married until his death on April 25, 2020, when he was 93 years old. To honor him, flags on government buildings in Texas were lowered to half-staff.
