NEWPORT NEWS — James A. Adams, 89, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, into the arms of our Lord and Savior. James was born Nov. 30, 1931, to Isaac and Carrie Adams in Pitt County, North Carolina. He was married to the late Gloria Wilson Adams for more than 50 years.
James attended schools in Pitt County, North Carolina. After attending school, he made a life-changing decision. In 1951, he joined the U.S. Army and earned a distinguished honor of a Purple Heart for his service.
James worked in the Newport News Shipbuilding, owned a trucking business and had the need to do more. He attended barber college, which afforded him the opportunity to work as a licensed barber for 20 years until retiring from the VA Medical Center of Hampton. He was a dedicated member of Union Light Lodge No. 268 for 58 years.
James was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church East End for years, where he was a devoted trustee. He was president of the Senior Choir. James was a member of the Layman’s Fellowship and 50 Plus Fellowship. He was also a member of the Sunday Adult School and Bible Study classes.
Family was very important to James. He enjoyed traveling to North Carolina, especially for family reunions. Storytelling and reciting family history were his expertise and always a great conversation piece for him. He was the patriarch of the Adams family. We all have been blessed with the honor of having been a part of his life.
Trustee Adams was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Wilson Adams; brother, William Jessie Adams; and sisters, Bessie Simpson, Anne Barnes, Bernice Ebron and Marie Dyer.
He leaves to cherish his memory one brother and two sisters, Leroy Adams of Baltimore, Maryland, Velma Bratton of Thomasville, North Carolina, and Linda Joyce Adams of Greensboro, North Carolina. James will be greatly missed by Janice Short, Juana Short, nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of relatives and special friends.
Viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at Parklawn Memorial Park.
Share online condolences with the family at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.
