John Paul Adams

Being part of the solution, not part of the problem, was a lesson John Paul ("Jack") Adams was taught at an early age and took to heart all through his life . . . from those early years of development, into the workplace and beyond, into organizations where he generously gave of his time volunteering or serving on a board.

Being a natural networker, he often guided individuals to find their path in life with a gentle nudge or recommendation as needed. He began a 23-year career in the U.S. Air Force, working in personnel, career counseling, and finally developing a retention program. He retired in 1981 to Santa Rosa, to be near his family and begin a whole new phase of life, distributing Tom's Snack Foods during the 80's, placing temporary employees for Liberty Staffing, and then working at National Bank of the Redwoods. After his second retirement in the early 2000's, he became a volunteer tutor of math and English at the neighborhood Brook Hill Elementary school and also served on the board of the Redwood Gospel Mission.

He also served on the board and several committees at what was formerly First Baptist Church, where he met and married his wife, Sharon (nee Barrows), while singing in the church choir. They would have celebrated 43 years of marriage this March.

John and Sharon continued to serve there after the church's name was changed to New Vintage Church. Always being part of the solutions and changes, he led a men's bible study group there for years, and attended the Oakmont Men's Bible Fellowship, creating many long- lasting friendships.

John was born and raised in Willows, California, where his parents, Emmett and Fern Adams, were also active in civic and community events and affairs. They were especially supportive of John's accomplishment of creating an alumni association with his high school classmates of 1956, to bring a music program back into the local schools in the early 1990's. His passion for keeping music in the schools continued, with support, at two other local high schools and the local youth and adult symphony.

As a Veteran of the Vietnam War, he held a passion for helping other veterans, so he became Chairman of the Oakmont Veterans Club, to create a place for other veterans to socialize, learn about any new regulations, or find support when needed. As Chairman Emeritus he continued to help organize the Oakmont Veterans Day Parade and program for several years.

John knew the biggest and greatest decision in his life was the adoption of his daughter, Julie Ann Hanover, who survives him along with her two sons, Kenneth and Mathew Hanover. Through Julie, John created his own little family.

Besides, his daughter and grandsons, John is survived by his wife Sharon, his older brother Robert, and his younger sister Judy Mahoney, plus a multitude of nieces and nephews, and friends far and wide.

A celebration of John's life, which began September 7, 1938 and peacefully ended in his home surrounded by loved ones on February 10, 2026, will be held Friday, March 12th, 1:00 p.m. at New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa, to recognize and honor him as the "good and faithful servant" he was, long focused on helping others throughout his years of life. There will also be a military honors ceremony as part of the celebration of life.