Jimmy Wade Adams

Jimmy Wade Adams, age 87 of Amarillo, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel, 4100 South Georgia.

From the youngest of years, Jimmy dreamed of nothing more than being a cowboy. He left school early to pursue that dream. Yet, Jimmy's journey took a slight detour. With an abiding sense of duty, he joined the United States Air Force. It was there that he met Joanne Sullivan, a vibrant woman with a smile that could light up the sky, and certainly, Jimmy’s world. Their love blossomed, and on November 3, 1959, the two were married.

Once he received an honorable discharge, Jimmy knew it was finally time to pursue the life he had always desired. Armed with a heart full of dreams and a spirit unyielding, he dove headfirst into the rodeo circuit. His talent for bull riding quickly became evident; despite trying bronc riding, he knew his true calling lay with the more dangerous, adrenaline-pumping sport of bull riding.

Outside the rodeo arena, he found joy in fishing. The peaceful serenity of casting a line into tranquil waters was a stark contrast to the thundering chaos of a bull ride, and it provided a perfect balance for this adventurous soul.

Though he had a kind heart and an unwavering generosity, there were times when Jimmy could be a bit rough around the edges. His friends and family knew that beneath his rugged exterior lay a man of great integrity who took immense pride in providing for those he loved. He had a way of bringing people together, often hosting barbecues for the entire family.

Jimmy lived life unapologetically. He faced each day with the grit of a cowboy and the tenderness of a husband and father. He had no qualms about chasing his dreams or the choices he made along the way. He embraced every moment with an open heart, determined to pass down the values of passion, courage, and love to future generations. In an ever-changing world, Jimmy remained a steadfast figure—a true cowboy whose dreams were not confined to the shadows of the past but forged into a legacy that would inspire those he left behind to live life exactly as they wanted, without excuses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Charles R. Adams, and three sisters, Carolee Joyce Hughes, Becky Adams, and Linda Adams.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Joanne; six daughters, Viola Marie Potter and husband Charlie of Kansas, Patricia Ann Davis of Amarillo, Michelle Elaine Surace of Amarillo, Christine Marie Hale of Amarillo, and Mary Adams of Canyon, and Laura Michelle Adams of Lubbock; two sisters, Princetta Kay Adams of Brady and Judy Clements of Ruidoso; brother, David Adams of Coldwell; his best buddy, Millie, his tiny Chihuahua; ten grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.