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James Adams Obituary
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Adams, mother Elizabeth Adams, and sister Suzanne Rowe.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sally (Luark) Adams, brother Lewis Adams, sons Kirk (Roz) Adams and Jay (Sheri) Adams, daughter Melissa (Sam) Luna, and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim was born in Hoquiam, WA. He spent most of his early years at Lake Quinault, and moved to Montesano as a freshman in high school. After graduation he attended Grays Harbor Community College, Washington State University and Western Washington University where he earned a degree in education. He then taught and coached at Edmonds, Molalla Oregon, and Snohomish. Jim was an outstanding athlete and coach and was inducted into the Montesano High School, Western Washington University, and the Washington State Coaches' Associations Halls of Fame.
A true son of the Northwest, Jim enjoyed cutting and splitting wood, freshwater and saltwater fishing, camping, crabbing, clamming and golf.
Jim treasured his friends and family and will always be remembered for his generosity of spirit, care and nurturing of others, and his uncanny ability to maintain humor and grace in any situation.
He will be missed by his family and friends, and the thousands of young students and athletes that he inspired.
In accordance with his wishes there will be no public service.
July 19, 1939 - March 28, 2021To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Adams
Burt HAskins
April 6, 2022
Jim was the best...After teaching with him for almost 20 years, we had some great times......crabbing, golfing and playing cards at the cabin of Ralph Davis....who ever did pay for Ralph´s green fees anyway? I loved the man....and miss him every day..
Bill Grier
June 2, 2021
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and that we weren’t able to stay in contact the last few years. What great fun we had all through the 60’s and 70’s .
Kami (Svidran) Coker
April 30, 2021
Mr Adams was my absolute favorite teacher! Went to SHS from 1992 to 1994 and out of all the teachers I had, he stands out the most. Not only was he a great teacher, but knew how to connect to the kids. I loved his humor and when he'd pass me in the hall with a wink. Prayers to his family.
Corey McLennan
April 30, 2021
Sad to hear he is gone. One of my all time favorite teachers. We called him "Jungle Jim". I had him as a crafts teacher my sophomore year, 1966-67. He took a special interest in me due to my artistic abilities. We had some great talks. He was also my sophomore football coach. I remember telling him how disappointed I was that he was leaving. I was looking forward to continuing art classes with him. "Jungle" Jim Adams had such great stories to tell and a great sense of humor. One of the very few teachers that had a great affect on my life.
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Joe LaBreck
April 16, 2021
In 1957 as a 6' 2" senior center Jim lead Montesano to the 16 team State Basketball Tournament. Typical of Jim. I offer my sympathy. Angels, angels bound for heaven. We're the class of '57. Joe LaBreck
Don Vail EHS 68'
April 16, 2021
Coach Adams was the best basketball coach I ever had. He combined skills with humor and compassion. All the players loved and respected him. A great man.
Phil Roiko
April 14, 2021
I enjoyed playing basketball for coach Adams. He taught us great defensive fundamentals. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. It was because of Mentors like Mr. Adams and Keith Gilbertson that I also became a coach. Thank you coach!
Burt and Mary Haskins
April 14, 2021
We have known Jim and his family for many years...He was a great friend... we shared many good times and lots of fun on and off the golf course and crabbing....One of his very special times was when he was on the beach and digging for razor clams...He was a great friend.. a kind and loving person..he will always remain dearly in our fondest memories ....
Wilbur (Wil) Luna
April 14, 2021
I am saddened to learn of Jims passing. He was a very nice man, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and a friend. I am privileged to have met him only, as it seems, a short time ago, to know and learn of his prowess and exploits, to see and witness his gentle humor, kindness, positive way of looking at the world and to know him as the father of my daughter-in-law, Melissa. I was privileged to be with him and his family at a couple of Christmas and other family gatherings. He and his wife, Sally, always made me feel like one of the family. My condolences to the Adams family and to my son Sam, who held him in high esteem. You will be missed Jim, yet remembered always.
Moe me maluhia o Jim, rest in peace Jim.
Wil Luna
Anthony Airhart
April 13, 2021
A good man. Always treated me well and had my respect. My condolences to his family.
Ken Rogers
April 13, 2021
A great man and big supporter of his children. My condolences to the family, my thoughts are with you all.
Anthony Airhart
April 13, 2021
A good man. Always treated me well and had my respect. My condolences to his family.
Larry Aalbu
April 12, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He will be deeply missed by his family and countless friends. I first met Jim when he began his career at Snohomish High School. I got to know Jim as a colleague and friend. His teaching and coaching skills were widely known and his sense of humor was infectious. Wishing the family comfort and peace.
Steve Moore
April 12, 2021
Coach Adams, in my opinion was the best coach at Edmonds High School in 1965-66. Learned about sports and more important life lessons, thanks "Jungle Jim", you were the best, Rest in Peace.
Jack Salvadalena
April 12, 2021
Peace and love to all of Jim's family and friends as we mourn his passing and celebrate his wonderful life of coaching and mentoring young people.
I was invited to participate in several social events with Jim and his teacher associates during his years at SHS. The outing with his contemporaries at Ralph Davis' cabin was a memorable event.
Brian and Joann Fenner
April 12, 2021
Dear Sally and Family,
We were so sorry and sad to learn of Jim's passing. The years watching our son's (Dan - 87', Andy - 91) play basketball with Jim as their coach were one of the best times of our lives. We will never forget what a great Teacher and Coach he was and how much he shaped our boys lives.
Jon Ellis
April 11, 2021
A favorite Coach who taught me how to be tough and outwork our opponents- we will miss him dearly. Thanks for the great memories Coach. You made your mark on me and my Panther teammates. We had no business winning Wesco in 1986 but we did - thanks to your leadership. I love you Coach! Thank you
Wilbur Luna
April 11, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Gary Doty
April 11, 2021
Dear Sally & Family; My SINCERE CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS LOST. Jim was without a doubt one the finest men I have ever met. A great friend, an outstanding human being, athlete, teacher and coach. I am proud and extremely happy that he made me a better person as he did countless others. Jim definitely made an impact in this world.
Love; Gary Doty
Gary Bedlington
April 11, 2021
Jim was a colleague of mine at SHS and we both taught American History. Because our rooms were divided by a removable wall, we would occasionally team teach. Jim was an outstanding teacher and
could really connect with his students. Jim was very positive in his
approach as a teacher and very demanding of his students. I will always
remember the motto on the front of his room "choices/consequences".
My greatest appreciation for JIm's friendship was his advice and support
as I started my coaching career at SHS. His help was invaluable. Jim
truly was an extraordinary man. My condolences to Sally and the entire
family.
Greg Pope
April 11, 2021
Jim Adams was my favorite coach throughout my time in sports. He was also the father of one of my best friends and one of the parents I admired most. Besides being a great coach and parent, he was just a great person and one of the funniest adults I knew growing up. I'll miss him greatly!
Mary Townsend Bristol
April 11, 2021
The first day walking into my freshmen class of Washington state history I remember Mr Adams so well. Like it was yesterday. In the top of the A building I learned about our state that I still recall today. Then watching him coach basketball and producing winning teams was so awesome. Rest in peace. I know your impact on my life resonates today.
Kristine Campbell
April 11, 2021
A lifetime of memories with the Adams family! What a wonderful and kind man. I will miss him very much.
Kristine (Jensen) Campbell
Kristine Campbell
April 11, 2021
A lifetime of memories with the Adams family. A wonderful and kind man. I will miss him very much!
Kristine (Jensen) Campbell
Mike Lowery
April 11, 2021
Seeing Jim's picture brings a flood of great memories! He was a great man, husband, father and friend. Incredibly competitive and a giant in Snohomish County high school basketball. His smile will be missed by many.
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