Jacob Adams

I fondly remember Jacob from our Physicians for Social Responsibility group in medical school. His devotion to the betterment of others and the world around him was inspiring.

Jacob was very active in our group, very nice and kind. I wish I got to know him better.

Jacob was an effervescent soul. He was always extraordinarily kind to me and my 4 children when we were at UofR events. He was never too busy to really listen to what they had to say. He specifically made time to talk trains with my youngest. I pray that his family, and everyone that loved him, find peace in the little things that bring him to mind. May his memory be a blessing.

I worked with Jacob in the Department of Public Health Sciences. One day i was at the Rochester airport leaving for a work trip and jacob walked over and sat down telling me about the train and Big Boy engine he was flying off to see. My youngest son is a train fan like Jacob and every time we visit the Big Boy engine in Scranton, I think of that memory. Jacob will be missed.

I will never forget my first day as a faculty member at the University of Rochester - Jacob engaged me in a warm, welcoming conversation about Chicago. He grew up in Chicago and I was relocating from Chicago to Rochester. Over the years Jacob proved to be a wonderful colleague - we have publications co-authored together, each serving as a wonderful springboard into opportunities to learn from each other and become respected friends. Jacob is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was SO excited when he met Heather and his love for her blossomed. Heather, you have been such a terrific partner to Jacob! I wish you the very, very best as you move forward. Jacob will be greatly missed, but when I remember him, I will try to live the lessons of kindness and understanding that I learned from him.

I will miss the inquisitive nature that Jacob brought to our passenger rail advocate meetings; he would not leave the room until he knew enough about the issues to make his own decision. I will try to follow his example in making a positive change to this world during our finite time in it. Jacob gave me renewed focus on things that truly matter. I will gratefully remember him for that.

Remember meeting Jacob at one of the events for C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association many years ago and volunteering alongside him at the 5K event over the years or at a Knighthawks game or many other events over the year. He was passionate about making a difference for children with cancer and put his passion into action.

Of course, remember him sharing his other passion as he would talk about trains and share information about that.

He will be greatly missed at the survivor day picnic and thinking about his wife and family.

Jacob was a tireless volunteer in the 19th Ward Community Association. He challenged neighbors to become active. He personified the adage Think globally act locally. He leaves a huge void and will be dearly missed.

The Empire State Passengers Association extends our condolences to Jacob's wife Heather and the Adams family on the passing of Jacob Adams. Jacob was a Board member of the Empire State Passengers Association and a strong advocate for better passenger train service in New York State. He recently organized the first meeting of Monroe County ESPA members to better organize and advocate for passenger train service improvements in western New York. May his memory be a blessing.

Jacob will be much missed at the Empire State Passenger Association. Photo shows Jacob at the head of the table at a ESPA Working Group Meeting last November in Schenectady NY.

Benjamin Turon