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James Byron Adams ’49

James Byron Adams ’49, May 29, 2003, in Portland. James graduated from Oregon Normal School (Western Oregon University) and Oregon State University. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy Seabees in the Pacific. At Reed, he took numerous classes to upgrade his teaching certificate. His work for Portland Public Schools included drama instruction at the high school level; and at the elementary level in the ’60s, he worked with the Model School Program. During the ’50s and ’60s, James was active in the Portland Civic Theatre and with the Portland Players, and performed in the ’90s in support of his church and community. In 1962, he married Frances N. McClure. The couple moved to Cannon Beach, Oregon, in 1968, where he worked as principal of the high school. James possessed many talents in addition to his acting. He was a gourmet chef, restaurateur, hairdresser, and writer. He is survived by his wife and her two children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Appeared in Reed magazine: November 2003

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