John W Adams

John W. Adams (80) lifelong resident of St. Maries, ID passed away at his home on June 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born the youngest of 14 children on March 11, 1945, to Warren H. and Gertrude (Ward) Adams in St. Maries. In his youth he loved playing basketball, and he attended all 12 years of school in St. Maries. John started his career in law enforcement as a city policeman and later went to work for the county under Robert Baltz. In 1972 he attended 2nd class law enforcement school in Pocatello, ID, and worked under Bob Kirts as a deputy and a Lieutenant in the marine department. Bob gave him the choice of Lieutenant or Captain, John didn't want the title of "Captain" because he didn't want to go down with the ship. Howard Kinkade taught John how to drive truck. John drove fuel truck and tanker truck for Pendell Oil and hauled chips for Jack Buell Trucking. He moved to Arizona for a short time and hauled chips and lumber for John Holliday but returned to Idaho to work for Baker Trucking and Systems Transport on the highway. He then went to work for Gary and Mary Becktel driving log truck before buying his own logging truck. After hauling logs, he decided to buy a highway truck and go back out on the road for Systems Transport. In April 2001 John was diagnosed with kidney failure, and he was forced into retirement. In 2003 John successfully had a kidney transplant donated from his wife Nancy. John married Sheila Erickson in 1968 and had daughter Gina. The marriage later ended. He married Ginger Epler in 1972 and had son BiJay. The marriage later ended. John was blessed when he found love again and married Nancy Fuller in 1983. John joined the Eagles in 1972 and became state president serving 1982-1983. He visited all 25 lodges and started the Orofino Lodge. John enjoyed auto racing, 4 wheeling, hunting, fishing, camping, and loved to travel all 50 states. John is survived by his wife Nancy of St. Maries; son and daughter in-law BiJay and Christy Adams and grandsons Caleb and Colby of Rathdrum, ID; Daughter Gina West and grandchildren Britany and Chase; sisters in-law Maureen Adams of Spokane, WA, Virginia Adams of St. Maries, ID, and Ellen Adams. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Warren "Whitey", Ruth, Raymond, Kenny, Ellen Harwood, Dora Kruger Strand, Delbert, Margaret Ebert, Esther English, Edward, Pat Myer, Dennis and Owen. He lived, He worked, He loved A Memorial Service to celebrate John's life will be on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Eagles Lodge in St. Maries. A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Eagles Chair Lift Fund, 707 Main Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861 or the Lighted Cross Fund c/o Ginny Oakes, 1117 Main Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861.