Robert Adams Jr.

Robert J. Adams Jr., age 82, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Chicago, where he was a lifelong resident. He was born on June 19, 1942, to Robert Adams Sr. and Lucille Adams. Lucille passed away just two days after his birth, and Robert was lovingly raised by Holly Adams, who became the mother he would know and cherish throughout his life.
Robert was a proud graduate of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School in Chicago, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He later attended Senn High School, also in Chicago. He went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and later obtained his Juris Doctor from Kent Law School.
In 1976, through his dedication and tireless work ethic, he founded his law firm, Robert J. Adams & Associates, beginning a remarkable 49-year career as a bankruptcy attorney. Known affectionately as the "Bill Slayer" by clients and colleagues, Robert was one of the founding members of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and a proud recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Throughout his nearly five decades in practice, Robert helped thousands of individuals and families navigate financial hardship with compassion and integrity. His advocacy changed lives, and his mentorship shaped a generation of young attorneys.
He loved practicing law, reading, watching movies, and-most of all-spending time with his family. He was a devoted father, proud grandfather, and loving husband who cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Robert was known for his sharp wit, generous heart, and unwavering sense of justice. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his lifelong childhood friends, with whom he met every Wednesday for their cherished "Romeo Lunch."
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Liqun "Linda" Xiong, who was his devoted partner and a true angel during his illness, providing constant care and unwavering love. He is also survived by his five children, Christine "Tina" Adams, Elizabeth (Robert Thorpe) Adams, Katharine (Louie Farkas) Adams, Robert "Bobby" Adams III, and Joseph "Joey" Adams; grandchildren, Richard ("Rickie") S. Diaz, Joseph ("Joey") Sutherland, Katharine "Katie" Adams, and Isabelle Adams; great-grandson, Anthony Sutherland;
stepchildren, Tammy and James Du; sister-in-law, Linin "Grace" Xiong; cousins, Louis Friend and Robert Benjamin; and former wife, Marta Jensen.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Martha and Gerrie Adams, and by his grandson, Robert J. "Robbie" Diaz.
A Memorial visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass on Saturday, July 12 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4220 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60618. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home,120 W. Park Ave. (Rte.176 one block west of Milwaukee Ave.) Libertyville, IL 60048.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
For more information, please call (847) 362-3009 or share a memory or condolence at www.burnettdane.com.
His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched-through the law, through friendship, and most deeply, through family.