James Addison Adams

Lt. Col James Addison Adams, Ret. 1922-2009 On July 2, 2009, at 4:27 p.m. Lt. Col James Addison Adams, Ret. left the journey here on earth and took flight in his aircraft of choice to fly the skies with the Lord. Jim was born Jan. 23, 1922 in Bloomington, Ill. to Dorothy and James A. Adams Sr. He joined the Air Force on Jan. 23 1942. Received his wings at Foster Field, Victoria, Texas, and Oct. 9th 1942. On that same day he married his high school sweet heart Mildred L. Salmon on Oct. 9, 1942. Jim graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.S. in Business. During WWII on February 1943 Jim flew a P-40 off carrier (the Ranger) into Casablanca. He flew 186 combat missions in Spitfires and P-51 mustang, earning him the following medals; WWII Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, three air medals. March 3, 1944 Jim had to bail out of his Spitfire into the Terrarium Sea, due to engine failure. He survived at sea with only his May West until he was rescued by the British Walrus. Based stateside in Florida following WWII, he then flew the Berlin Airlift in Germany. Back stateside to AZ, TX, KS, SAC (missile program) in NB and England. Jim retired from Mtn. AFB ID on August 1969 to Boise. Jim began his civilian career with the State Library and Cathedral of the Rockies (both as business administrator). He flew briefly for Interagency fire Center as well as a Commercial Photographer (Kelly Powell) He was active in Civil Air Patrol, Real Estate Agent and Property Management. In retirement Jim enjoyed his family and friends and his beloved reunions with his 2nd fighter squadron. His civic interests were a member of Light of the Cross Church, member of Kiwanis (Past President), Owyhee Historical Society, Masonic Temple, and local Veterans Association as well a multitude of fishing trips with his best pals. Surviving are his wife Mil of 66 years, one son Jimmy Lyn Adams (Jeannie, MD), one daughter D'Anne A Richardson (Gary), 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, three nieces, one nephew and dozens of dear friends. Preceded in death by his brother Joe Adams. In lieu of flowers please consider a favorite charity MOAA Scholarship fund (Military Officers Air Force Association) PO BOX 34889 Alexandria, VA 22314-8819. A full Military Honors internment service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10101 Horseshoe Bend Rd on the 20th day of July at 11 a.m. Officiating the ceremony will be Reverend John Dawson.