James Griffith Adams, 89, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, formerly of Stotts City, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Mount Vernon Place Care.

James was born on Wednesday, January 31, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of the late Jack W. and Ethlyn M. (Griffith) Adams. On September 9, 1959 he was united in marriage to Helen M. Jones. Together they shared sixty-four years of wonderful memories. At an early age he joined the United States Air Force and proudly retired after twenty-five years of dedicated service. He also retired from Steadley's in Carthage after many years. He worked at Silver Dollar City as a fry cook at the Rib House as well as operating the tram. For a few years he drove a truck over the road with his son Douglas. He was a member of the Beacon of Hope Church, in Rockaway Beach. He enjoyed cat fishing, wood working, welding and spending time with his family and friends. He will truly be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cathy Adams; great-granddaughter, Kamiyah Hill; daughter-in-law, Tammy Adams; and brother Stacey Adams.

James is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Sharon McMinn of Wesley Chapel, Florida, Ronnie Adams and wife, Janet, of Stotts City, Douglas Adams of Buffalo, and Debra Shrum and husband, Jackie, of Washburn;  thirty-nine grandchildren; sixty great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Don Adams and wife, Connie, of Medford, Oregon, Steve Adams and wife, Cindy, of Tennessee and Barbara Bass and husband, Wayne, of Carthage; and sister-in-law, Kay Adams of Medford, Oregon; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 in the chapel of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with Laresa Depew officiating. Burial will follow at Hackney Cemetery, Carthage, with Full Military Honors. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are James Adams, Aaron Adams, Brandon Hill, Jared Hill, David Adams and Michael Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Adams, Michael Adams, Joel Adams, Jordon Adams, Gregg Shrum, Corry Shrum and Josh Rudd. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.