ADAIR

JAMES ROBIN

Beloved husband, father, brother and friend James Robin Adair, originally from Mt. Lebanon and a long-time resident of Harrisburg, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol; his daughters, Lisa and Allison (Max); and his treasured granddaughters, Marie, Georgiana and Bonnie. James will live on also in his cherished siblings, Donald, Rita Bawn (Ron), Maureen (John), Patricia (John) and Brian (Iryna); several cousins; and his 17 nieces and nephews and their families, whom he loved like his own children. James was predeceased by his father, James; his mother, Rita; his eldest brother, Tom (Linda); and his sister-in-law, Carolee.

Born in Mt. Lebanon and known in Pittsburgh as Robin, he attended St. Bernard's School and South Hills Catholic, graduating in 1965. He was a natural athlete, and physical activity remained a primary passion throughout his life. At the College of Steubenville (now Franciscan University), where he was known as Jim, he earned a B.S. in Business and Economics. He also met his lifelong love, Carol. After graduating in 1969 and marrying, they began teaching seventh grade at St. Bernard's, where James taught math and history and coached football and, with Carol, directed the school musicals. They still cherish this time.

James transitioned to a career in banking, first at Mellon Bank and then as a young bank president at Garrett National Bank in Maryland. He went on to hold positions at Fairfield National, Hamilton, Core States, Commerce and Metro Banks, primarily as a commercial lender, before becoming President of Alexander Construction in Harrisburg, where his projects involved Beaver Stadium, the Civil War Museum, several hospitals and the War College. Again, with Carol, he founded Adair Construction, which flourished until he retired from business in 2013. James' career was defined by community involvement. He served as President of the United Way and as a member of the Metro Arts Council and many hospital, bank and scholarship boards.

Retiring from business allowed James more time to devote to his second career and passion, flying, which he started in Gettysburg in the early 1980s. After gaining his own private pilot's license on a tiny Cessna, he taught ground school, became IFR certified, and began his role as a Certified Instrument Flight Instructor, flying and/or training others to fly various aircraft: Mooney, Challenger, Citation, and many types of jets. His students consistently expressed their admiration and awe at his ability as a pilot and a teacher. He achieved the highest pilot rating of Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and until 2025 still worked as a corporate pilot. He ultimately logged over 14,000 hours.

James loved flying and knew the regional terrain like no one else. He was known to point out tiny details in the landscape below, like the track where a nephew would run or a friend's house. He enjoyed surprising family with unexpected visits and, rather than phoning, would fly in circles over a family lake house as a way of letting folks know someone should come pick him up at the local airport. Flying was also part of his commitment to others. He flew multiple relief missions to deliver supplies to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and served several decades as a pilot for Air Lifeline and Angel Flights, shuttling patients in need to and from treatment.

James would certainly say that his most important job was as a husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. Everything he did, from his early-morning commutes to his unsurpassed work ethic, from his epic phone calls to his long handwritten letters, was oriented toward his family. As a husband, he was faithful and caring, and forever deeply in love with his "girlfriend, Carrie." He was so loyal that, together with Carol, he dedicated much of his own final years to caring for his mother-in-law. And he would do it again. As a father to Lisa and Allison, he was entirely devoted. He prioritized their education and happiness and taught them how to orient their lives toward service, purpose, ambition, and unapologetic fun. He adored his three granddaughters, one of whom said it best today: "He was the greatest grandpa in the universe." He had big dreams for each of them and will always be with them, in the wind at their back and in the road that lies before them.

James' sense of humor was boundless, from simple silly jokes to intricate pranks, and he himself had a collection of laughs for every occasion. He was a champion of women, children, and animals, especially dogs. He was a caretaker of nature and felt most at home there, whether hiking the Appalachian Trail, scaling rock faces, or swimming well beyond any sandbars—even in his final year. He was an incredible athlete and had what he considered too many plans for the life that remained ahead of him: to coach youth football, become a lifeguard, travel the world with his wife, and spend time with his family. He never met a day he didn't greet with enthusiasm and energy, and he always maintained his sense of wonder, faith, and awe. He would want any who knew him, all who loved him, and anyone reading this to honor his memory by doing the same.

The family will welcome visitors at LAUGHLIN CREMATION & FUNERAL TRIBUTES, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, on Sunday, July 27, from 12-5 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday July 28, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Bernard Church – St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Memorial contributions may be directed to Angel Flight Inc., 12345 East Skelly Drive, Tulsa, OK 74128.