James Michael Adams

James went to be with our Lord on Christmas Day after battling a lengthy illness since 2018. James leaves behind his loving wife Laura, 5 children and their spouses, 18 grandchildren and their 5 spouses, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 brothers and their spouses. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather and friend.

James was born on a military fort in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lucy and Francis Adams. When he was around 1 year old, his parents divorced. He grew up in Peoria, Illinois. As a kid growing up, he was raised by his grandparents. His grandpa taught him how to hunt and how to grow a garden. When James was 3 years old, his mom married Thad Pinkham. At 8 years old, he joined the Cub Scouts. He continued with the Boy Scouts, achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the Boy Scout Jamboree, that year, with his parents. As a young teenager, he played on a baseball team, coached by his stepdad. A sport he loved playing. In his spare time, he bailed hay for the farmers. He loved to tell the story about how he would go to the store and use his earned money to buy bologna, while the other boys used their money to buy candy. James learned to play the guitar by ear as a teenager. He and his cousins had fun playing together in a band. They played country music, in a field, for their family and friends while the old folks danced. He was a country boy and loved everything about the outdoors.

At the age of 17, they moved the family to Long Beach California. There at the age of 18, James married, bought his first house, and raised a beautiful family. They raised the children Catholic and were very proud of the fact that they were able to send all four children, Joseph, Jefferey, Deanna and Jerry, to Catholic School for the entire 12 years of their education.

James converted to Catholicism at the age of 19, but truly became a part of it when he joined the Knights of Columbus. He first obtained his 1st Degree at 18, but when he re-entered back into the Knights in 2009 in Clovis, California, he worked his way up to Grand Knight. Prior to his passing he was a 3rd Degree member of Council 10991 and a 4th Degree member of Assembly 1733 in Hemet, California. He also served as a Grand Knight for Council 10991 from 2017-2018.

In 1996, James began a new chapter when he met the love of his life, Laura and her daughter Katie. They were married on February 14, 1998; and together they blended their families, creating over twenty-five years of loving and cherished memories. He always referred to himself as a “country boy” and to Laura as a “city girl.”

James loved hunting, fishing, barbequing, camping, shooting, gardening and anything outdoors and taught his children to love them as well. His favorite places were Figueroa Mountain, Kings Canyon, the beaches of Carpinteria, Santa Cruz, Santee Lakes and Tombstone, Arizona. He was predeceased by his two best friends, George and Alex. He had fond memories of surf-fishing and barbequing with George and camping and playing guitars with Alex.

James always said he wanted to fight evil and be a part of St. Michael’s army in Heaven. On earth, he fought hard to do things his way, but he fought even harder to get to heaven. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, family has asked to please send donations to:

Knights of Columbus Council 10991

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

26340 Soboba St.

Hemet, CA 92544