James (Jim) Adams

James Francis Adams (Jim)

October 1, 1932 – April 10, 2024

Jim was born in Tampa, Florida to James & Julia Faye Adams. At age 14 he enrolled at Sewanee Military Academy in TN graduating in 1951. In 1952, he enlisted in the U. S Coast Guard, stationed in Honolulu - where he served during the Korean War earning him the National Defense Medal, Korean Conflict Medal, United Nations & Good Conduct Medal. In 1960, he was honorably discharged, and he would go to attend the University of Houston where he would earn a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960. U of H would continue to be a huge significance in his life. Day-to-day plans revolved around any games played that day.

Jim went on to work for 3M Corporation taking a break from traveling to manage the family-owned retail store, Gibson’s Discount Center in Tomball, Tx. Moving to Burnet, Tx, he went back to 3M until his retirement in 1991.

He was an immensely proud member of Tejas Vaqueros from 1975 to 1991 and saddled up for the Salt Grass Trail Ride for many years. All of this led to many lifelong friendships and many fond memories.

After moving to Santa Fe, he was involved with the Sheriffs Posse Search & Rescue. In 2008, he was sworn in as Major of the Sheriff’s Posse. However, after a near death experience and losing his horse Huey, he retired, and he spent most days riding his horse with friends and his dog by his side.

He loved hunting, riding his horse and meeting people. His stories were endless. He never went anywhere without making a new friend.

He is proceeded in death by parents James Fielder & Julia Faye Hyde Adams, stepmother Elizabeth Hinds Adams; wife Carol Howard Adams (d. 1989) and wife Mary Tichonchik Adams (d.2020) 

He is survived by his children- 

Daughter Shelley (Mike) Martin, Tomball Tx; Son Howard (Miriam) Adams, McAllen Tx.

Grandchildren- Acia (Matthew) Talamantez, Burnet, Tx., Landon (Tiffany) Adams of San Antonio, Tx; Tanner Atkison, Burnet, Tx. William Machado, Miami, Fl., Mikayla (Tyson) Burris, Huntsville, Tx, Melanie Dandeneau San Antonio, Tx

Great Grandchildren -Logan, Lane & Lendon Atkison, Burnet, Tx; Hudson & AdaLynn Joyce (AJ) Talamantez, Burnet, Tx

Jim leaves behind numerous friends that he loved very much. His special request was to thank all his friends for allowing him to be a part of their lives.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr Josh Brown, Teresa Gallegos and the entire staff at IMS. Your genuine concern and support have brought us much comfort. We would also like to thank Johnetta Sanchez, Iris Varela, Miriam Gonzales and Sylvia Reardon. Each of you went above and beyond what anyone could ever ask. Each of you will always be very special to our family.

A memorial will be held at Rivera Funeral Home on May 4th at 10 am.

Memorial donations may be made to Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society - sfhumanesociety.org or Horses for Heroes - Horsesforheroes.org