James Clarence Irwin (June 7, 1929 – March 21, 2018) was a senior officer of the United States Coast Guard. He attained the rank of vice admiral and held the service's second‑highest post, serving as Vice Commandant from 1986 until his retirement in 1988. His career is remembered for steady leadership during a period of organizational change in the 1980s.
Summary of career
As Vice Commandant, Irwin acted as the Coast Guard's principal deputy to the Commandant and was involved in policy, budgeting, readiness and interagency coordination. The Vice Commandant typically oversees force management, program execution and administrative functions that enable maritime safety, security and stewardship.
- Rank: Vice Admiral
- Office: Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, 1986–1988
- Born: June 7, 1929, Des Moines, Iowa
- Died: March 21, 2018, Chandler, Arizona (complications of Alzheimer's disease)
Irwin's professional life spanned several decades during which senior Coast Guard officers balanced mission execution with modernization of assets, personnel policies and maritime law enforcement. Although detailed postings and assignments vary among biographies, officers who reach vice admiral rank typically have experience in both operational commands and headquarters or staff roles.
After leaving active duty, Irwin's passing in 2018 at age 88 was noted by colleagues and regional media. His tenure as Vice Commandant placed him among a small group of officers who have helped shape the service's priorities during the late Cold War era and the years immediately afterward.
For more formal biographical summaries and archival material, consult official Coast Guard resources such as an official Coast Guard biography or local historical records for Des Moines and Chandler, Arizona. General information about the illness that caused his death is available through public health and medical sources on Alzheimer's disease.