James Cleveland Adams

Born July 22, 1927 in Greenville, he was the only son of the late Kinney C. Adams and Lola Watson Adams. He was raised by his beloved grandparents, James and Martha Watson. He was a graduate of Laurel Creek High School.

James spent his working years in various professions. He owned and operated his own grocery store, A and B Grocery, with his best friend “Dub” Ballinger, and later became a salesman for Fina Oil Company. He loved working with his hands and spending time outdoors. He gardened and shared the bounty with friends and family. He also had a lawn care business. He was always looking to help those in need. He spent his retirement years working part time for Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet delivering cars to dealerships around the southeast, which satisfied his love of travel.

He was a long time member of Laurel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and treasurer. He served at his church tirelessly and his deep faith was the foundation of his life and was exemplified in his actions. In his later years, he enjoyed attending Rocky Creek Baptist Church and was actively involved in the Senior Group there until his health prevented it.

In 2003, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Freddie King Adams, who was the love of his life and his junior high sweetheart. He spoke often of riding her around on the handlebars of his bicycle and he took great pride in being her husband. To his dying day, his eyes still lit up at the mention of her name and the sight of her picture. Their love and marriage was a shining example to all who knew them. Together they raised their two daughters.

James was also preceded in death by his first born daughter, Diane Adams Shockley. He shared in caring for her until she passed away in 2009.

In January of 2016, he was preceded in death by his second wife and love, Alma Jean Brown Adams.

James valued faith and family above all else. His greatest treasures on earth were his wife, children, and grandchildren. He spent his life loving and serving his family and his faithfulness and devotion will be greatly missed. As Daddy and Papa, he was the bedrock of his family. He loved Gospel music, Skip-Bo on Friday nights, Italian food, Little Debbie’s, Craftsman tools, and he loved to laugh. His family and friends will all remember him fondly as “the best looking man at 2503 East North Street,” as he liked to refer to himself.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Pam Adams Kitchen and her husband Allan, of Taylors.. In addition, he is survived by his only grand-daughter, Meredith Shockley Golla and her husband David, and his two great-grandchildren, Andy and Caeley Golla, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by one special niece, Gail Meaders, of Greenville.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 3:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park. The families will be at their respective homes.