BREMERTON — The former director of the USS Turner Joy was honored with the William J. Diffley Award for his longtime service as a Navy Seal and later working to advance the movement to preserve historic naval vessels.

On Sept. 29, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent presented Jack James, USN (ret.), with a plaque commemorating the Diffley Award, his career in the Navy and, later, for his service as director of the Historic Naval Ships Association. The HNSA is an international organization dedicated to the preservation of these vessels, and the USS Turner Joy is a member of this group.

He received the award before a group that included Mayor Lent, friends, families and co-workers.

James entered the Navy out of West High School here in Bremerton in 1972, and quickly earned his qualification as an elite Navy Seal. He graduated from that program in 1973.

During his Navy career, James spent 10 years as an enlisted and then earned his commission. He retired in 2016 after a decorated 35-year Navy career.

James’ hire at the USS Turner Joy came about nearly by accident.

After retirement, he was casting about to what to do when a local employment counselor called him and said, “Mr. James, I may have the perfect job for you.”

James served as Director of the USS Turner Joy from October 2014 to June 2016. He now works as a substitute teacher at Bremerton High School where he graduated in 1972.

Frank Portello succeeded James as director of the Turner Joy in June 2016.

The plaque reads:

“This award is named in honor of the former Executive Director of the USS Alabama Commission and the former President of HNSA, Captain William J. Diffley. It honors departing Directors of HNSA Fleet Member organizations who have contributed in some great measure to success of their museums.”