Background
Oliver, James Arthur was born on January 1, 1914 in Caruthersville, Missouri, United States. Son of Arthur L. and Mary E. (Roberts) Oliver.
Oliver, James Arthur was born on January 1, 1914 in Caruthersville, Missouri, United States. Son of Arthur L. and Mary E. (Roberts) Oliver.
Student of University Texas, 1932-1934. Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan, 1936, Master of Arts, 1937, Doctor of Philosophy (University fellow 1938-1940, Hinsdale scholar 1940-1941), 1941. Doctor of Science, Southampton College, Long Island University, 1975.
Instructor Northern Michigan College Education, 1941-1942. Assistant curator American Museum Natural History, New York City, 1942-1947, associate curator, 1947-1948. Assistant professor zoology U. Florida, 1948-1951.
Curator reptiles New York Zoological Society, 1951-1959, assistant director Zoological Park, 1958, director, 1958-1959, director emeritus, 1977-1981.
Research associate American Museum Natural History, 1948-1959, director, 1959-1969, coordinator science and environment programs, 1969-1970, director emeritus, 1973-1981. Director New York Aquarium, 1970-1976.
Advisory committee Mianus River Gorge Conservation Commission. Board directors Caribbean Conservation Corporation.
Steering committee Biological Science Curriculum Study, 1962-1966, Executive Committee, 1964-1966.
Committee music resources New York Commissioner Education, 1961-1964. Organizing committee 16th International Congress Zoologists, 1963. Member American Commission International Wildlife Protection.
Trustee, treasurer, president Biological Sciences Information Services, 1964-1972.
Member American Commission International Wildlife Protection. Served with United States Naval Reserve, 1943-1946. Fellow Royal Society Arts (London), New York Zoological Society, Rochester Museum Association.
Member American Society Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (Board of Governors, editorial board), Herpetologists League, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association Museums (chairman environment committee 1969-1970.
Clubs: Century Association.
Married Elizabeth Kimball, May 3, 1941. Married second, Ruth H. Norton, December 22, 1967. Children: Patricia A., Dexter K.