James Edward Adams, Jr.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, James Edward Adams Jr. (Jimmy) passed away just one day after celebrating his 72nd birthday. Jimmy was born on January 26, 1949, to James Edward Adams and Martha Jo Hays Adams of Summerville, GA. Jimmy married Brenda Cordle Adams in November 1968, and they celebrated 52 years of precious marriage. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Brenda, as well as his children Jason Adams (Alana) of Hilton Head, SC, and John Adams (Sally) of Germantown, TN. Jimmy’s grandkids, Clark, Hays, Gracen and Jasper were the light in his world, and they loved their “Papa!” Jimmy’s love of family was unquestionable. Jimmy graduated from The Darlington School in Rome, GA in 1966. He attended Emory University and transferred to Florida Institute of Technology. While at FIT, he helped charter the Xi Delta Chapter of Chi Phi Fraternity in December 1968. In 1971, Jimmy graduated from Shorter College in Rome, GA with a degree in Business Administration and Mathematics. During his time at Shorter College, Jimmy hosted the radio broadcast “The Jimmy Adams show in the morning.” Jimmy served in the US Army Reserve from 1970 until moving with Brenda to Newnan, GA in 1976. He lived in Newnan from 1976 through 2003 when he moved to Athens, GA. In 2010, they moved to Bluffton, SC where he spent the last 10+ years. Having a long and successful career in the mainframe computer industry from 1968 to 2004, Jimmy first worked in computer operations, followed by programming, systems analysis, and mainframe software sales. His territories covered the United States from Atlanta to Washington D.C. as well as places such as Trinidad & Tobago. He had an integral role in developing and selling software for Y2K safeguards as well as other special projects. Jimmy never formally “retired” as he spent his last 16 years following various passions that included fiber optic installations, real estate, and assisting Brenda operate a women’s fitness franchise. He worked his final years with his son, Jason, assisting in real estate photography by taking photos, running house scans, operating drone photography as well as processing and editing final output. His exciting career path was always changing and never became monotonous. He enjoyed new adventures and reveled in innovation! Jimmy was also adventurous in life outside of work. He obtained his solo pilot’s license in the early 1980s, and he enjoyed flying on short trips and messing around on weekends in the air. He let Jason “fly the plane” for his 9th birthday! Although underqualified, a random meeting with a commercial pilot led to his being brought into the cockpit and getting to land the plane of a commercial flight full of passengers! Jimmy’s adventures led to him being rescued by the coast guard after flipping an air boat in the islands along the Georgia coast… His adventures led him to Clubhouse passes in Augusta at The Masters when he picked up a hitchhiker that turned out to be Lee Trevino’s caddie. His adventures led him to Cape Canaveral FL where he enjoyed watching several space launches... His adventures led to the cross-country excursion, following soccer games during the 1994 world cup, that ended in Los Angeles immediately following the famous OJ Simpson Bronco chase (bought the “Let the Juice Loose” T-shirt on the street corner beside the neighborhood sign that read “tourists go home, nothing to see here!”)… His adventures led him on countless wildlife encounters while on fishing trips with his son John (including having a water moccasin fly out of the mouth of a hooked bass, soaring through the air, landing in the boat where the fishing guide had abandoned ship and jumped up on the motor!) His most preferred adventure, however, was being with his family. Jimmy loved and cherished Brenda and set an example of how a husband should love and care for his wife. He was an amazing father and left a lasting legacy of how to raise loving children. Although he wasn’t able to be as active with his grandchildren later in life, he enjoyed their company more than anything else, and the four boys will always value the time they were able to spend with Papa. Whether he was helping the grandkids solve puzzles in escape rooms or watching them play soccer, tennis or baseball, he was truly happy in their presence. Jimmy’s main hobbies in life were participating in whatever activities his family got him involved with! A member of Central Baptist Church in Newnan, as well as various other churches throughout his life, Jimmy was happy to enter Jesus’ eternal home when his time arrived. Papa, you are loved and you will be missed. Due to circumstances with COVID-19, an immediate family service was held on Friday, January 29, and a family memorial will take place this summer at Lake Weiss. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to St. Joseph’s/Candler (Designation Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion.) or a charity of your choice.