Timothy M. McNamara ’78
Tim died at home in Falls Church, Va., on Dec. 12, 2000, surrounded by family. He had head and neck cancer.
Tim came to Princeton from Lakenheath H.S., in England. A Cottage member, he was a WWS graduate focused on Russia. Very active in ROTC, he was briefly a Footnote and a Tigertone and rowed all four years on the heavyweight crew.
Following four years as an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division and Fifth Special Forces, Tim left active duty in 1982. A successful yearlong fight against leukemia interrupted his subsequent attendance at Hopkins SAIS. He returned to receive his MA in international relations, specializing in Soviet studies.
Since 1985 he had served as an intelligence officer with the CIA in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Washington. He actively supported critical issues facing the US government in Central and Eastern Europe during the 1990s, including the reunification of Germany, the Balkan conflict, and the expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe. Tim was recently awarded the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.
Tim is remembered for his integrity, compassion, enthusiasm, and ready smile. Survivors include his wife, Julie Kingan McNamara '79, and their daughter, Clare '05.
The Class of 1978
Paw in print
December 2025
Judge Michael Park ’98; shifts in DEI initiatives; a night at the new art museum.
2 Responses
Comments
John Murphy
1 Month AgoCondolences from a Former Training Officer
I was one of Tim’s assistant professors of military science at Princeton, 1976-78. I was the training officer, MS I class adviser, developed and taught the summer advance camp prep program, and established and ran the Ranger program. Tim was an outstanding cadet in every way and natural leader. Not surprised in any way of his successful military career in the 82nd and SF. His follow on career after retirement from the Army was also predictable. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Al Hansen ’78
9 Years AgoI was two years older than...
I was two years older than Tim in ROTC at Princeton. He was always the model Princeton cadet, and even older cadets admired him. His physical conditioning was legendary, but he seemed to excel in everything he did. We also briefly spent time together in a Special Forces reserve unit in New Jersey. I just thought of him, and very much regret we lost touch. Requiescat in pace, Tim! My best to Julie and Clare.