John Arthur Adams

John Arthur Adams, 78, of Plano, TX, passed away on June 25, 2024, surrounded by his sister and daughters, after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer. John, a beloved father, son, brother, and friend to many, leaves a legacy of generosity, hard work, laughter, and love.

John was born on Eglin Air Force Base, the first stop of many home bases throughout his life. After briefly living in Japan during his teenage years, John and his family returned to Dallas, where he met his lifelong best friends and graduated from Kimball High School. He earned a Chemical Engineering degree from Texas Tech University before enlisting in the United States Navy. After earning a promotion to Lieutenant, John entered the Naval Reserves and attended Southern Methodist University to complete his MBA. He then began an illustrious manufacturing and supply chain management career that would see him fill senior leadership positions in major corporations around the world. John ran factories in multiple countries and manufactured products from charcoal to cheese to candy. His colleagues remember John as a leader who effectively built great management teams, inspired his colleagues, celebrated their successes, and supported their professional growth.

John enjoyed various activities, including traveling to golf courses around the country with his golfing buddies and taking their money in their regular poker games. He enjoyed listening to golden oldie music, watching movies and TV, and doing crossword puzzles in ink. He loved visiting with his sister, daughters, and grandkids. And John could never pass up a good pun. John was proud of his career accomplishments and proudly followed the achievements of his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his sister Meg Allen (Chuck) of Beaverton, Oregon; three daughters of Kansas City, Shellie Gill, Lauren Gray, and Britt Qualls (Brad); his son John Stewart Adams (Laura) of Dallas; and his step-daughter Asher Flynn (Mark) of Austin; as well as grandchildren Maddie Gill, Stephen Gill, Dean Gray, Tom Gray, Meg Qualls, Evan Qualls, Jane Qualls, Evey Flynn, and Jack Flynn. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John’s life will be celebrated at Laurel Land in Dallas at 10 AM on July 19. Prior to this, there will be a visitation with family at 9 AM. Following the service, there will be a reception for friends and family to come together and honor John's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the T. Boone Pickens Center for Hospice Care in Dallas, TX.