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JAMES PADAMS Obituary
JAMES NICHOLAS PADAMS (Age 86)
Passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2013, of Olney, MD. formerly of East Lyme, CT and born in Fall River, MA. Retired Culinary Arts Teacher at State of Connecticut Technical High Schools and at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Graduate of Durfee High School, Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and University of New Haven. Served his Country in both the Merchant Marines and the Army during WWII. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Peter Paul Maher, Council # 6793. Beloved husband for 51 years of Bertha Padams; father of Nick Padams and Allison Lavigne and husband, John; grandfather of Caitlin and Douglas. Also survived by two nephews, Thomas and Rick Wolstencroft; and niece, Mary Beth Courcier as well as other loving family and friends. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Friday, December 6, 2 to 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Church, 2900 Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD, on Saturday, December 7, at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Target Community Educational Services, Inc., Vocational Program, 18403 Woodfield Rd., Suite D, Gaithersburg, MD 20879.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES PADAMS
Jerry Shaw
May 22, 2025
Bertha, Nick and Allison, my most sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. I’m thankful that you and your family were my neighbors in East Lyme. May God bless you all.
Martie Hillyer
November 28, 2020
Hey Chef another generation passing through Grasso Culinary (my grandson) thank you for a memorable high school and culinary experience that has lasted my lifetime
Ivy Best (Plourde)
July 3, 2014
I just heard about Chef Padams passing. My condolences to his friends and family. I will always remember him and the way he pushed us to be better. I still smile when I hear "shoemaker". Class of '94.
Chef Tahorah Yehudah-Benyamin
March 8, 2014
One my first chef instructors. I will never forget what I've learned. May your family find peace, condolences ....Grasso Tech 1990
Donnie Mouning
January 27, 2014
you change my life for the better will allways be thankful
david miccinello
January 25, 2014
To Mrs.Padams and family,you are in our thoughts and prayers.I am sure that Mr. Padams is at rest in heaven.What a great Chef and instructor!My first two years at Bullard Havens were his last two years there.He was an awesome man,and looking at his pictures you shared in the obit,I can actually hear his voice from over 35 years ago.May Gods grace and peace be with you all.
David Miccinello
BHT/BPT,CT.
January 21, 2014
A sincere thank you to all for sending your heartwarming condolences, prayers, and tributes to our dearly beloved husband and father. These will all be treasured in our book of memories.
Sincerely, Padams Family,(Bertha, Nick and Allison Padams Lavigne)
Martie Hillyer
January 6, 2014
Dear Mrs. Padams and Nick, I am saddened to hear of Chef Padams passing. As so many of his other students have stated ~ his passion for his trade and his students have left a marked impression on so many. I have fond memories of my high school years because he was a fair and good natured instructor. May your memories guide and keep you during this difficult time. Martie Hillyer Class of 1981
Jacques Wilson CEC, AAC, CDM
January 3, 2014
Thank you, Mr. Padams.
Over the last 36 years, no matter what the Culinary venue was; competition, demonstration, lecture, food show, or conference, your lasting influence was right there with me. My culinary career is a tribute to your vision and dedication of instilling excellence in your students. In 1977 you saw something in a student from Grasso Southeastern Technical School, located in Groton, CT. Knowing I had potential in the Culinary Arts, you started molding me to become a cook. At the time I thought nothing of it, but looking back, it blesses my heart that somebody took the time to care. By your caring, it pointed me down a career path that I did not see coming. Somehow you knew where you were leading me. With the proper ingredients and the right amount of time, something good can happen; and it did. My career has been very rewarding. I have worked in premier establishments over the years, with my start at the Gondolier Restaurant in New London, CT. I have traveled from the rocky cliffs of Maine to the shores of Nantucket, to the desert of Palm Springs, California to the Rocky Mountain region of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I have cooked for more people and at many different venues than I could have ever dreamed, competed in more competitions than I thought I wanted to, and have taught and lectured on a variety of culinary subjects than I had ever expected. Mr. Padams, you gave me a career to be proud of, a career that is not about being selfish. Every day, as I work at improving myself in my career, I am changing the lives of people. As you taught me in 1977, giving back to others is the ultimate gift. I thank you for all the years and all the memories. Thank you for being the man who stood in the gap for what was lacking in my life. You will forever be Dad to me.
Bob Agnese
January 1, 2014
Dear Bertha and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
It was a real pleasure working with Jim at Southeastern Tech.Jim had a sincere concern for his students.His ability,
desire for excellence, compassion and
humanity all marked him as wonderful
professional and person.My thoughts are with you.
Bob Agnese Guidance Coordinator Southeastern Tech 1977-86
December 25, 2013
BERTHA, ALLISON AND NICK, HOW MUCH YOUR DAD WAS LOVED AND RESPECTED. HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER, HUSBAND AND DAD. WE LOVED HIM AND WILL MISS HIM. JOY AND RICK BONNETT
Sean Griffin
December 22, 2013
I will always remember being in the 1st postgrad class. We had a great time. Chef Padams will always be remembered as a world class instructor, and mentor. He was a kind patient man. Rest in peace.
Pam Degnan
December 17, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Bertha, Nick and family. We remember Jim with fond memories. One special man, always lending a helping hand. Peace Be.
Mike, Pam and Erin Degnan
December 12, 2013
Dear Bertha, Nick and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We were very honored to have known Jim. Mike sure enjoyed the days when he would assist Jim in cooking for the Knights of Columbus events. We had such special memories of your family and our family at the gatherings. What an amazing tribute to him at the Chruch service. He will be missed by all. Peace Be. Mike, Pam and Erin
Dennis Walsh
December 10, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss, Bertha and Nick, and we will miss Jim very much. He was a great neighbor and friend. Dennis and Barbara
Gene & Pam
December 7, 2013
Bertha & Nick - our deepest condolences to you regarding Jim. It's been our honor to have known Jim and you all for the last 20 years as neighbors.
Grasso Tech. 1990 Yearbook
Chris Jones
December 5, 2013
Grasso Tech. 1986 Yearbook
Chris Jones
December 5, 2013
Grasso Tech. 1980 Yearbook
Chris Jones
December 5, 2013
Yearbook Photo Grasso Tech, Class 1987
Chris Jones
December 5, 2013
Mrs. Padams and Nick and Allison God Bless all of you and I am sorry for your loss.
God has gained a great Chef this week; and we have all lost a great Chef here on earth.
Mr. Padams was a great Teacher, friend and mentor and so many more things to me and so many others. He will be sorely missed.
Class of 1987 Culinary Arts
Hospitality Management Department Head, Grasso Technical High School, Groton, CT
Mike & Ilene Martin
December 5, 2013
Bertha & Nick... Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your moment of grief. Stay strong and know that we are here for you.
Adrienne
December 5, 2013
Dear Padams Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss, I was fortunate enough to have been in the 1st PG graduating culinary class in 1980. Chef was such a bighearted, tough love kind of guy. My experience with the chef is unforgetable as well as invaluable. He was always supportive, encouraging and funny. He left a great impression on me and many others I'm sure. I loved those years in culinary. He will surely be missed. Prayers to your family.
Dennis Beckloff
December 5, 2013
Chef Padams and family, I do not know where to start, with the all the things that you had taught so many in the field of Culinary Arts. I remebember the time I had to make a gravy for a certin menu and I had messed it up, I came to you with that worried look and you were like don't worry about it and just watch this, you had worked your magic like you did so many times for so many others before me, you said taste it, and it was like nothing had happened, the gravy was saved. So Mr Padams Thank you so very much for what you have taught me and so many others.
Class of 1986.
Tracy Nahas
December 5, 2013
Mr. Padams will be sadly missed by many. He was a great teacher and he loved what he did. I feel blessed to know that I was the last class he would teach at Grasso Tech as he was retiring that year. My deepest condolences to the family. Class of 1992
December 5, 2013
You were blessed with a great teacher and will be miss dearly. He touched the hearts and minds of thousands of students and enjoyed every moment of it. I send you my deepest condolences. Class of 92'
Diane Stewart
December 5, 2013
Dear Padams Family
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and father. I will always remember him as a kind and happy person.
Diane Stewart
Mr & Mrs Doug Ketter
December 4, 2013
Dear Bertha and Nick and Allison--we will miss Jim's laughter and smile at every Knights of Columbus family event he was at. Please accept our deepest sympathies, prayers and love, Ann & Doug Ketter
Steve and Kathy Hill & Family
December 4, 2013
Dear Bertha, Nick and family,
May you forever remember the wonderful years together. As it is always difficult to lose a loved one know that Jim/Dad will always be with you and he will guide you the rest of your lives.
We will miss Jim and his friendly smile . May he rest in peace.
Melissa Madore
December 4, 2013
You were a great insperation to so many. Thanks for teaching me culinary,
you will sadly be missed. God bless your family. Class of 1992
Tracy Diebel-Tenpenny
December 4, 2013
I feel blessed to have been taught by this man! Chef Padams made you want to do your best and get a smile from him! Thoughts of him to this day brings a smile to my face and am thankful for the time he was our Chef! ( Class of 91')My prayers and thoughts are with your family!
Eric Scott
December 4, 2013
Condolences to the family. One of the best Chef Instructors Ever!!
Lou & Melanie Caceres
December 4, 2013
Bertha and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Jim. He was an incredible gentleman and neighbor. Lou and Melanie Caceres
Debby Wolfe
December 4, 2013
Bertha and family, my deepest sympathy in your loss of Jim. You will be in my thoughts through this difficult time.
Sincerely, Debby Wolfe
Chanise Pauley
December 4, 2013
My prayers to the Padams family. He has touched me in so many ways, he will never know. He wasn't only my Culinary Arts teacher he was my friend . A friend who cared and loved by many . "Capisce" RIP my dear friend.
Glenda Morales
December 4, 2013
Rip in peace chelf padams my prayer and thought my.fovite from.high school
December 4, 2013
Thanks for all your teaching. You will be missed. Even though I accidently poured the chicken stock down the sink after you told me to strain it. LOL I will never for get that look when I came back with out the stock. We had to use chicken Boulion for the fresh chicken soup for the Public Dinning Room. RIP CHEP PADAMS Class of 1990!!
Ed Welch
December 4, 2013
Rest in peace Chef Padams. you were a great influence and a great person, teacher class of 92
Dan Pettingill
December 4, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Padams. Your guidance, patience and commitment to your family will never be forgotten. Though I only knew you for a short while, it's clearly evident your time spent with us was filled with many laughs and memories. God bless -
Robert Edwards
December 4, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Padams Family. Chef Padams was truly an inspiration to many. He instilled in his students a strong work ethic, a passion for the profession, and had the patience of a Saint. Thank you Chef Padams. Rest in peace.
Bonnie Daglieri Pezzolesi
December 4, 2013
Dear Chef Padams, I hope you knew what a great influence you were to all yours students at Grasso Tech. You were the heart and soul of the Culinary Program. Even though many of us took various career paths, you instilled a great work ethic, professional pride and excellence in everything you touched! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I love you - Class of '86
Mia Medina-Kennedy
December 4, 2013
My heartfelt condolences go out to Mr Padams' family and all who loved him. He was a true gentleman and awesome teacher. Rest easy, sir.
Judy Chace
December 4, 2013
My prayers go out to the family. Enjoyed working with Jim at Grasso Tech.
December 4, 2013
Rest in the Lord's arms Jim,... You were a beautiful person full of compassion and wit and humor.God Bless your family, and we will always remember your wit and to always use 1/2 and 1/2 in our coffee... loved by the Waszczaks from Niantic Ct.
Rachel Smith
December 4, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the loss of your beloved husband and father. I still remember the delicious strawberry cakes he made for the open house at "Strawberry Fields".
Denise Bacchiocchi
December 4, 2013
Rest in Peace beloved Chef Padams.. you were an inspiration to many. You will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
With great admiration, from one of your many "shoemakers"~Denise Bacchiocchi
Bethany Dyer
December 4, 2013
You were a prominent figure in my life for 4 years, you challenged me and fought with me more than any other teacher and I find myself sad today because you are gone. You will be missed.
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