James D. McNair ’49

Jim died Feb. 8, 2025, in Mystic, Conn. He was 96. Prior to his death he lived in Stonington, Conn.

Jim was born in Spokane, Wash., and at Princeton majored in English and was a member of Elm Club. He received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Yale University School of Fine Arts in 1956.

His professional life in Manhattan included work at the offices of architect Philip Johnson and at Designs for Business, known for its work in mid-century modern style, where he worked on interior design installations for corporate offices and private homes.

In 1971, Jim and his life partner Sewell Sillman, painter and art teacher, moved from Manhattan to Grassy Hill Road in Lyme, Conn., where he continued his work with renovations to buildings in the area. Sewell died in 1992. In 2015, Jim oversaw the exhibition, the Modern Art of Sewell Sillman, at the Florence Griswold Museum’s Krieble Gallery in Old Lyme.

Jim was known for his good nature and generosity, and for giving memorable dinner parties with his partner at their home. A classmate at Princeton recalled that he learned all about Beethoven sonatas from Jim, who played those records frequently.

He is survived by his sister Catherine Jensen, four nieces, one nephew, and his extended family.