James MacNabb

James Alexander MacNabb (26 December 1901 – 6 April 1990) was a British rower who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics. and also won Silver Goblets at Henley in 1924 partnering Maxwell Eley. The coxless four crew won Stewards' at Henley again in 1924 and went on to win the gold medal for Great Britain rowing at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

MacNabb qualified as an accountant. He was associated with charitable housing for many years and was honorary treasurer at the Amateur Rowing Association for 20 years. He was also honorary secretary and treasurer of Leander Club and a steward of Henley Regatta. He coached the winning Cambridge crew from 1931 to 1933.

MacNabb served in World War II in the Royal Artillery in West Africa and Burma. He attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and was awarded the T.D. He coached the Oxford crew from 1949 to 1951, making him one of the few people to have coached both universities. In 1972 he was awarded the O.B.E for his work with the Peabody Trust.

Personal life MacNabb was married three times: to Ursula Barnett in 1925; to Pauline Mary Beatrice Shears, daughter of Philip James Shears, in 1938; and to Elizabeth Anne Simonds in 1958. His son James (1926−2013) became the 23rd Chief of Clan Macnab.