Jesselee Adam Gantz

Feb 15, 1954 – January 29, 2017. Left to mourn his loss are sisters Roslynn (Claudio) Memme, Ronda Ploughman, niece Jessica (Bill) Hallman and children, beloved companion Susan McPhail (Squirrel) and sons Edward and Reggie Ploughman. Predeceased by parents Pearl and James Ploughman and younger brothers Monty and David. Adam was in every sense of the word an old world craftsman/artisan and musician. Using only antique equipment and very old methods of production to hand produce his products, he was a recognized master bookbinder, master bootmaker and tailor. He specialized in civil war clothing and period costume. His rare hand sewn “boots with no cuts” were in demand around the world. He was a publisher of the arcane using specialized papers and old style printing presses. His books published under the imprint OBR and Acorn are now held in private collections and are highly sought after for their rarity and quality of workmanship. Adam wrote and played his own music (drums and guitar). He performed with local groups and also left behind a small library of his own music. His love of cats translated into several generations of black and white “shop” cats – all named John Henry. Adam had a heart for the USA and spent many years living and traveling there with most of his time spent in Tacoma, WA, PA, and NY. His unique gifts, strength of personality and enjoyment of others, led to many long and enduring friendships over his lifetime. No-one could tell a story like Adam and few would match his creative and outrageous sense of humor. Adam was uncompromising in his commitment to live life on his own terms. His passing leaves us deeply saddened and feeling like it is the end of an era. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. A private service by close friends and family will be held on Friday February 3rd with internment to follow at Woodland Cemetery in Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the charity of your choice or to one of the many animal rescue groups in the city.