John Willard Adams III, age 74 of Indianapolis, died September 28th, 2023. John was born on November 17, 1948, in Larchmont, New York. He was the son of Jean (McDermott) and John "Jack" W. Adams, Jr. He graduated from Stepinac High School (White Plains, NY) in 1966 and Indiana State University in 1971. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jim and sister, Jan. He battled cancer for 23 years, but that never seemed to slow him down.
While attending Indiana State, he met his future wife, Mary Beth, who attended nearby St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. They have been married for 49 years. Following his graduation, John worked on Wall Street for a time. But after he and Mary Beth were married in 1973, the couple decided to settle in Indianapolis, where they have lived ever since. Here in Indianapolis, John continued his career in finance, before managing several retail sporting goods stores for The Athletic Department. He then worked with Browning Investments, Inc. from 1983 to 2005 where he enjoyed a long and successful career in commercial real estate. During those years, he made so many lasting and cherished relationships. A former high school and college basketball official, the next phase of his professional life was spent with the NCAA as the National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating from 2008 to 2015. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about officiating and truly loved the time he was able to spend attending games and speaking with coaches, officials, and media personalities on a personal basis. Most recently, he was the Chief Operating Officer with Hathaway Strategies. John was a role model and mentor to so many throughout every stage of his professional career. He was always willing and happy to listen and share advice. He wasn’t afraid to tell you the truth (even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear) and you always knew where you stood with him.
He loved sports, and most of all, coaching and watching his sons, and later in life, watching his grandchildren compete in them. His four boys were his pride and joy. He was a guiding hand in the early part of his sons’ lives and provided mentorship into their adult years. Family always came first for John. His love and commitment to Mary Beth and his boys took precedent over everything else, and something he was able to instill in his family every day.
John was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, served on the boards of Cathedral High School, Brightpoint, Inc., Indiana Sports Corp. and in numerous other volunteer roles.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Adams, and his sons, Johnny (Angela), Stephen (Sarah), Patrick (Kelli) and Tim (Kathryn) Adams, and his grandchildren, Drew, Molly, Matthew, Erin, Johnny, Abbi, Tommy, and Caroline Adams. As well as his sister, Jill Meyer.
He and his family are grateful for the care he received from the entire medical team, especially Dr. Eldred Macdonell, Dr. John Goldenberg, Dr. Sumeet Bhatia and the entire staff at Community Hospital North and the Community MD Anderson Cancer Center North.
Family and friends will gather at St. Pius X Catholic Church (7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240) on Tuesday, October 3rd from 9:30am to noon, with mass of Christian Burial beginning at noon.
You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com to share a personal memory of John or arrange a memorial gift to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Community MD Anderson Cancer Center (North) or the Seal Legacy Foundation.
