Dr. Jack A. Adams PhD

1931 - 2015

Jack A. Adams passed to the ages peacefully on April 8, 2015 after a long illness. He was born in Waukegan, Illinois on September 9, 1931 to Alexander and Sophia Adams. Jack was the oldest of three sons and was preceded in his passing by his brother John. He is survived by his brother Paul Adams, of Deerfield, Illinois.
After a distinguished high school academic and athletic career, Jack attended the University of Wisconsin where he studied toward his undergraduate degree and lettered in baseball and basketball. His educational pursuit was interrupted when he was called to active duty at the onset of the Korean conflict. While at Wisconsin, he was active in the Army ROTC and received a commission as an officer in the United States Army. He briefly trained as an Army pilot until a training accident left him physically unable to fly, after which, he continued his Army career in the Signal Corps. He spent significant time in the Orient and Europe during his career, resigning his commission in 1962. After his active duty career Jack remained active in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel and was the presiding officer of the Waukegan Arsenal during the cold war era.
At the conclusion of his Army career he pursued his passion for higher education attending Roosevelt University and Northwestern University earning a PhD in educational administration. During this time he held associate and full professorships at both institutions. He also spearheaded efforts to fund and found the College of Lake County as President of the College of Lake County Association. After receipt of his doctorate, Jack pursued a career that eventually led to the University of San Diego, where he was the Director of Special Projects and a Professor of Educational Administration. Jack was an avid skier and horticulturalist and after his retirement in 1999, operated a private flower farm in Escondido, California. He is survived by his brother Paul (Adrienne), of Deerfield, IL. Three sons, Gregory (Karen), of Chandler, AZ, Jeffrey (Pati), of Mundelein, Il, and Paul, of Grayslake, Il. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren (Cameron, Zachary, Tyler, Lucas, Evan, Emily).
Visitation and a Memorial Service will be held at Kristan Funeral Home, 219 W. Maple Ave. Mundelein, IL 60048 on Thursday April 23rd from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Internment will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Joliet, IL. In leiu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of San Diego, Office of Special Gifts and Scholarships, 5998 Alcala Park, DAC 214 , San Diego, CA 92110-2493. Please memo the remittance "In Memory of Dr. Jack A. Adams" or contribute online at: http://www.sandiego.edu/giving/