James Robert Adams

James R. Adams, 73 of Canal Fulton, unexpectedly went home to be with our Lord on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Jim was born on December 8, 1951, in Covington, KY, to the late Ollie James Adams and Ellen Elizabeth "Betty" (Fornash) Adams. Jim was a 1969 graduate of Holmes High School where he met the love of his life, and future wife, Donna L. (King) Adams, to whom he was married for 54 years. Jim attended Eastern Kentucky University for a short time before returning to Covington to marry Donna on March 20, 1971.
Jim began working for Pepsi Cola as the young couple welcomed the first of three children. In 1974 Jim took a job changing tires for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Corp. In 1978 he took a position that would move him and his family to Northeast Ohio, eventually landing them in Canal Fulton. Jim started his career at Goodyear as a tire changer and ended it, over 31 years later, as a department head at Goodyear World Headquarters in Akron, Ohio. Throughout his time at Goodyear Jim only held an associate's degree and was repeatedly told that he would not continue advancement at Goodyear without furthering his education. However, the work ethic, integrity, honesty and people skills that Jim possessed were unparalleled and the company repeatedly, to their benefit as well as his, advanced him. Jim's time at Goodyear was a testament of hard work, dedication, and where good moral character can lead you. He retired as an incredibly respected manager by employees and customers alike. After a brief time in retirement, spent enjoying time with his family, Jim began a second career at Marathon Petroleum in Canton, OH where he remained for over 10 years. He gladly welcomed being a refinery shift worker but was quickly moved into different supervisory roles ending his time at Marathon as a Transportation Manager. Jim truly enjoyed his time at Marathon and the people he worked with.
Throughout his life Jim enjoyed playing softball, arm wrestling, frog gigging, and hunting. In later years hunting became even more enjoyable when joined by his son, son-in-law and close friends. The cabin stories from gun seasons will live in infamy. In full retirement he was a proud staple at sporting and school events for his grandchildren. Jim also became a teacher, easily the favorite teacher, to his homeschooled granddaughters before becoming (much to their delight) the self-appointed principal. He was a readily available care giver to all of his grand dogs and was always ready with biscuits in his pocket or his truck. These invaluable roles that Jim filled were, without question, his most cherished.
For Jim, first and foremost, was always God and his family. Jim lived his faith quietly often allowing his example to be his voice. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, James R. Adams II "Bob" (Stacy), Brandy Bramlett (Jim), Jessica Adams, and 'bonus' daughter Tina Calloway (Rob). Grandchildren; First Lieutenant Nicholaus J. Adams of the United States Marine Corps, Elizabeth "Libby" Adams, Rebekah "Bekah" Bramlett, and Olivia "little O.J." Bramlett. Also surviving are mother-in-law, Thelma King; sister-in-law Janice Parnell; brothers-in-law Larry Elliott, Barry Parnell and David King, along with many nieces and nephews.
Second in his heart, always, were Jim's dogs, especially his beagles, of which he loved many over the years. His special girl, Ginger, and many grand dogs, remain and will miss him always.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his infant sister Linda Joyce Adams, sister Brenda Lee Adams Elliott and brother Jeffery Blake Adams.
Calling hours will be Friday, May 2, from 2-5, at Swigart Easterling Funeral Home with a service immediately to follow. An open house will be held at 6139 Cartage Ave, Canal Fulton following the service for friends and family to gather.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stark Co Humane Society in Jim's honor.
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