Dr. John M. Adams Jr.

1936 - 2021

March 20, 1936 - September 15, 2021 Dr. John M. Adams Jr. passed away peacefully at home with family on September 15th, 2021 at the age of 85. John leaves behind a loving family of four children, John, David, Chris and Molly, grandson Jackson, and Jacqueline, his beloved wife of 50 years this October. Born in Minnesota, John moved to Santa Monica at the age of 14, where he fell in love with body surfing, fishing, hunting and sailing. He spent summers working on the Hollister Ranch, where he would return for visits for years to come. He attended Santa Monica High, then Pomona College, then going to medical school at UCLA. After graduating and completing his residency in Orthopedics, he joined the Army and spent several years saving lives in a MASH Unit in the Vietnam War. That's where he really learned to operate, he always said.On the early 1970's he co-founded the Santa Monica Orthopedic Group, moved to Pacific Palisades. and grew his family. He organized family vacations in the Sierras, Baja California, and Catalina Island where he would teach his family to ski, fish, dive, sail and appreciate nature. His love for the outdoors was infectious and is alive and well in his children. Trips to Virginia Lakes and Catalina are an annual ritual for the now grown children. John also studied art and was a talented painter. His beautiful and locally inspired paintings brighten the walls at his home. John promoted family values of honesty, hard work and integrity. Short cuts were not allowed. Sincerity and authenticity were a must. All of his children have found happiness through that ethic and will always seek to make a difference, as their father did for thousands of patients and friends over a lifetime of selfless service. Memorial services will be private. Donations can be made to St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades.