James, Jules, VADM

Jules James was born in Danville, Pittsylvania County, Virginia and studied at Virginia Military Institute preparatory prior to entering the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in 1908. In 1928 he married Eleanor Standish Gamble, niece of U.S. Secretary of War Henry Stimson.

Commissioned ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1910, James subsequently served as White House aide to President Woodrow Wilson (1912-1913), and Assistant Naval Attache to the American embassies in France, Spain, and Portugal (1923-1926).

During WWI LCdr James was Executive Officer, USS Rochester, convoying troops to Europe, during entire War. He was awarded a Special Letter of Commendation for his efforts. At times between 1926 and 1934 he was navigator on the USS Florida (BB-30); commanded the USS Edsall (DD-219), with which he participated in the Yangtze River patrol. Commander Jules James was promated to Captain in 1934. He served as naval aide for the Governor-General of the Philippines; attended the Naval War College, the Naval Academy as an instructor; and commanded the Destroyer Division 6, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet.

In 1937 he directed the fitting out of the light cruiser USS Philadelphia (CL-41), which he then commanded. From 1939 to 1941, he served as assistant director and acting director of the Office of Naval Intelligence. In 1941 he became commander of the newly acquired U.S. Naval Operating Base on Bermuda, where he also commanded the combined U.S. and British local defense forces. In 1943 Admiral James assumed command of the Sixth Naval District, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Charleston Navy Yard. In 1945 he became commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Mediterranean waters and retired from active duty in 1946.

Following his naval career, James became a special representative in Europe for the National Lead Company.