James Blackburn Adams (December 21, 1926 – April 25, 2020) was an American attorney, politician, and two-time associate director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

[5] As an FBI special agent, Adams served in Seattle, San Francisco, and the Administrative Services Division.

[6] In early 1977, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Clarence M. Kelley announced his intention to retire.

Carter nominated then-judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, William H. Webster, in January 1978.

[6] While Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Adams authorized an investigation into the District Attorney of McLennan County, Vic Feazell.