James Francis Devine

05/19/1934 - 06/09/2025

James Francis Devine, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. He was 91 years old.

Born on May 19, 1934, in Westernport, Maryland, to Isabella (née Ord) and Thomas Devine, Jim devoted his life to service, both to his country and to the public good. Over the course of more than five decades in the Federal Government, he made a profound and lasting impact on earth sciences policy and natural hazard research in the United States. His work at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) helped shape critical national initiatives related to nuclear power plant siting, seismic safety standards, radioactive waste disposal, petroleum resources in Alaska, Arctic and Antarctic research, Native American rights, and earthquake research policy.

Admired for his ability to navigate complex, often contentious science policy issues, Jim's counsel was widely sought by USGS Directors, Secretaries of the Interior, and members of Congress. He was a trusted and calming presence during times of crisis, regularly appearing in media interviews where his steady analysis helped maintain public confidence in federal science programs. Internationally, he was a respected representative of the USGS and Interior Department, known for his wisdom, humor, and pragmatic insight. In recognition of his exceptional contributions throughout his career, Jim received the Meritorious Service Award, the Distinguished Service Award of the Department of the Interior, and the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service, the highest honor the Federal Government can grant to a career civilian employee.

Jim also served with distinction for more than 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Colonel in 1988. Many of those years were with the 310th Army Theater Command, where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Security, Plans, and Operations. In this position he led the Command's overseas deployment planning to provide wartime logistics support for the Army in Germany. His final assignment was as Assistant Chief of Staff for Movements, where he led the successful transition of this staff section to the 4th Movements Control Region.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and a man who'd seen it all and had a story to match. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, and time with his family. He was known for his quick wit, limerick writing, unmatched capacity to retain useless trivia, and appreciation for fine single-malt Scotch (non-peaty only!).

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine Devine; his children Laurie Dunbar (Vic), Michael Devine, and step-daughter Margaret Goldfaden (Stefan); grandchildren Kate and Henry Goldfaden; and his sister, Margaret Freeman. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Devine, his parents Thomas and Isabella Devine, his sister Isabel Austin, and his brother, Edward Devine.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on July 19, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia. For more information, contact meggoldfaden@hotmail.com. Messages of remembrance can be shared on the Adams-Green Funeral Home page at adamsgreen.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to the American Heart Association.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for a life lived with purpose, service, and integrity.