James W. Adams

James W. Adams, 29, of Stanley, ND, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at his home in Stanley, ND.
James was born in Roseville, CA to Larry and Linda Adams. The family moved to Rolla, MO when James was 14 months old. James enjoyed playing with his many siblings swimming in the nearby creek and hunting & fishing with his dad. As a young child he talked about opening an animal sanctuary for hurt or strayed animals where all animals would be accepted. He was always bringing home a bird with a broken wing, feral cats, (which he had a severe allergy to) and any other animal he could find. He regularly brought home "stray dogs" with pleading eyes, saying "can we keep him?" He raised finches as a young boy and was so proud to watch the eggs hatch.
James joined children's church at First Assembly of God in Rolla, MO at 4 years old. He loved the church and especially loved watching the Pastors. At 9 years old he got an old pulpit from Pastor Ray, brought it home and practiced preaching to anyone who would listen. He would always say one day he too would be a preacher. He did obtain a ministerial license at 17 and officiated at his sister's wedding.
James was also an artist at a young age and won a contest at 4 years old for 4–10-year-olds. He has designed and sold many tattoos and decals for businesses. The family moved to Stanley, ND in 2007 when James was 11 years old. He became fascinated with computers at 12 and taught himself how to read and write code. He had a satellite in the air at 15 and did computer jobs for some of oil rigs in ND such as Hess and Whiting. James graduated with an AA in computer programming from Harvard in 2025. He would also teach kids or older people how to fly drones.
James moved to Dickinson in 2017 when he got married. To that union was born a daughter, Jemma, who he adored and was very proud of. At that time, he worked for Steffas as an apprentice electrician for several years until his divorce. He then moved back to Stanley, ND where he has resided since. James took a trip to Hawaii in 2021 and stayed the summer working because he fell in love with the Island life. He was planning a return trip to Hawaii in next couple months.
James was preceded in death by his dad, Larry Adams; brother, Austin Adams; grandparents, Oliver and Ann Adams, and Albert and Agnes Dazell; his aunt, Brandi Dazell; uncle, Mike Dazell.
James leaves behind his daughter, Jemma; mother, Linda Adams; siblings, Jeannie Adams, Cody Adams, Sheri and Victor Valadez, Jamie and Jess Adams, whom he considered his best friends. Nieces and nephews, Angel, Celly, Rena, and Milo Valadez, Jack and Will Adams, Howdy, Rowdy, Milton, and Rexy Adams, and Tommy Adams; special friend, Staci Homelvig; along with numerous cousins and close friends.
He will be greatly missed by those left behind but we look forward to our reunion one day.