Burbank, CA — Valorous TV is sad to announce the passing of R. James “Jim” Woolsey, a distinguished member of the Valorous TV Advisory Board and former Director of Central Intelligence. Woolsey passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday July 21, 2026, following a stroke.

As a guiding voice on the Valorous TV Advisory Board, Mr. Woolsey brought a lifetime of intelligence expertise, historic perspective, and strategic leadership to the network’s mission. His wisdom and dedication were instrumental in helping shape the vision and educational impact of Valorous TV’s programming.

Born and educated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mr. Woolsey compiled an extraordinary academic record, receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, a Master’s degree from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and a law degree from Yale Law School, where he served as managing editor of the Yale Law Journal.

Beyond his contributions to Valorous TV, Mr. Woolsey had a celebrated career spanning decades across national security, diplomacy, law, and corporate leadership. Serving as the Director of Central Intelligence from 1993 to 1995, he was a rare statesperson whose public service spanned four presidential administrations—both Republican and Democratic—including appointments under Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

Prior to his high-profile leadership roles in Washington, Mr. Woolsey served as a Captain in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. During his active duty service, he served as a program analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council, while also advising the U.S. delegation during the early Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) in Helsinki and Vienna—laying the foundation for his lifelong work in defense strategy and international nuclear diplomacy.

Throughout his public career, Mr. Woolsey headed U.S. arms control negotiating teams, served as Undersecretary of the Navy, and worked as General Counsel to the Senate Armed Services Committee. A renowned specialist in energy and national security, he co-chaired the United States Energy Security Council, chaired numerous major boards, and served as a Trustee of Stanford University and a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution. His private sector achievements included 22 years as a litigator, five years as a venture capitalist, and four years as a Partner at Booz Allen Hamilton.

The entire Valorous TV family extends its deepest condolences to the Woolsey family during this time.