Rodney Jay Adams

Rodney Jay Adams, 92, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 31, 2021 in Thornton, Colorado. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on April 7, 1928, to Earl Thomas and Freida Clair (Joseph), he had two siblings, Gregory John Adams and Aileen Bonita Sherman and spent his youth in Wisconsin until graduating college. During his life Rod resided in Madison, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky; Hixson, Tennessee and for the last 5 years Denver, Colorado. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Post graduation he received his Professional Engineer license in addition to serving in U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He married the love of his life, Diane (Ralls) in Gadsden, Alabama in 1959 while living in Atlanta, Georgia. They would go on to celebrate 60 years of marriage before Rod’s passing. They moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 1960 where they raised their three children, Alison, Nancy and Stacey and were active members of Christ Church United Methodist in St. Matthews for 20 years. They were blessed with lifelong friendships remaining to this day. The family moved to Hixson, Tennessee in 1982, where Rod joined ARCADE, INC. and retired there in 1993 as Manager of Purchasing and Plant Services. He and Diane lived there for over 40 years and belonged to the Sammy Gooden, Sunday School Class, at Hixson United Methodist Church. As members they were active volunteers in many church functions, as well as serving with the Volunteers in Medicine organization. In 2016, they relocated to Denver, Colorado to be closer to family and immediately found a church home in Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Thornton, Colorado. Wherein, Rod and Diane served in multiple volunteer positions supporting the church and congregation and were honored to be recognized as “Quiet Disciples” by the church in 2020. He considered himself to be a jazz aficionado, but much of his life was centered around supporting his family, church congregation and community. His patience and quiet demeanor led him to be described as a saint by many. He embodied all the characteristics of what made him the true measure of an authentic Godly man. He was loved by one and all and embraced the role of a southern gentleman, despite his northern upbringing with grace and style. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gregory John Adams, and sister, Aileen Bonita Sherman. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diane (Ralls) Adams, daughters Alison (Patrick) Johnson, Louisville, Kentucky; Nancy (Kevin) Stovall, Thornton, Colorado and Stacey Adams (Jeanine Edgington), Long Beach, California; Granddaughters Taylor (Andrew) Purdie, Mackenzie Johnson and Hanna Stovall; Grandsons Conner Johnson and Grayson Stovall; and great grandchildren Hadley and Harper Purdie, Louisville, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hixson United Methodist Church, Hixson Tennessee; Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Thornton Colorado; American Red Cross or a charity of your choice.