Leon Adams

Captain Leon Adams’ commanding presence and self-assured stature underscored his God-inspired ability to do “the necessary work, the hard work, and the good work.” - Vice President Kamala Harris

Captain is silently whispering: “stand back and watch me fly. I decided to let my spirit go free.” - Myrlie Evers

Leon Adams, 86, of Beverly Hills, Florida gently slipped away to embrace triumphantly life everlasting while at home surrounded by his closest family members on May 4, 2021. His three sons were at his side: Gordon, Christopher and D’Shaun.

His promotion, March 21, 1984, to the rank of captain, signaled another significant career advancement for a man of color. Captain Adams, as he was known to all who knew him at Division -- neat and trim in appearance looked very dapper in his uniform -- was the second African American to become a New Jersey State Police officer. Moreover, he had the distinction of being the first to enter the commissioned ranks and was the highest-ranking minority officer in the Division for six years.

Leon did his undergraduate work at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and pursued further studies at Monmouth University, Rutgers University and Thomas A. Edison State University. In addition to university coursework, extensive inservice education was completed at the Sea Girt Academy and Quantico. Continuing his education, both locally and through national programs, characterized Leon’s commitment to ongoing professional development and becoming a better leader to others throughout his life. Just prior to his retirement from NJSP, he completed the statewide Certified Public Manager (CPM) program with honors.

Saluted through a formal dinner upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 1980 by the Men and Women for Justice, New Jersey Chapter, Adams was the honoree of this same organization for a second time in 1984 when he was elevated to the rank of Captain. Additional recognition and achievement awards came from the New Jersey Education Association, National Council of Negro Women, NAACP, and US Air Force Recruiting Service. Other awards were made by NOBLE and the New Jersey State Police Narcotics Bureau. Following his NJSP retirement, Captain Adams was named the director of public affairs and safety for the City of Plainfield during the administration of Mayor Mitchell. Then, he enjoyed a similar role with New Community Corporation in Newark, NJ.

Establishing himself early-on as an athlete and scholar, Leon proved that an achievement disparity need not exist between athletic prowess and academic excellence. On March 23, 1985, Captain Adams, an honor graduate of Long Branch High School, was feted before a group of over 1,000 attendees, including New Jersey State senators and assemblymen at his alma mater, to induct him into the Long Branch Athletic Hall of Fame. Subsequently, the New Jersey State Senate signed a special resolution in conjunction with this honor. A few days later, Captain received a congratulatory letter from Gov. Thomas H. Kean in which service and dedication to his school and community were applauded.

Leon co-chaired an “Evening in Memory of Police Officer Abigail Powlett,” and through Captain’s efforts, law enforcement agencies from across the nation responded with donations. The $50,000. raised was earmarked for the exclusive benefit of the late Officer Powlett’s then two young children, Noreen and Jayson. Officer Powlett was just 33-years-old when she lost her life after responding to reports of a shooting. Governor Thomas H. Kean, state and municipal dignitaries were included among 500 well-wishers who joined forces at the Pine Manor, Edison, NJ during the “Evening in Memory…”

Captain was a veteran of the US Army, 82nd Airborne stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also served throughout his life as a member of: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Progressive Lodge #17, F & AM-PHA, Concerned Black Parents & Citizens of South Brunswick Township, American Legion, ordained deacon of Six Mile Run Reformed Church, mortgage committee chairman for North Stelton AME Church and National Organization of Black Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He remained an active member of the Former New Jersey Troopers Association and the Pine Ridge Estate Property Owners Association.

Without a doubt, his lifelong favorite hobbies were deep-sea fishing and gardening. Beautiful plants, gorgeous gardens and living landscapes were a part of his green thumb portfolio. After he retired to the equestrian and golf course community of Pine Ridge, Captain dabbled in bicycling, golf and returned to swimming; tennis would come later. Leon remained a devoted father to his sons and daughter: Troy and his late wife Sanya [Winston-Salem, NC], Gordon and wife Elena [Frederick, MD], Christopher [Baltimore, MD], D’Shaun [Orlando, FL], and Tracey and husband Michael [Ewa Beach, HI].

Leon was well-liked by so many in his community, forming a tight-knit group with neighbors and locals. He would host friends on fishing trips to West Palm Beach and Key West, favorite fishing spots. His siblings recall he loved fishing so much that several times Leon and friends would travel from New Jersey to Quincy, Massachusetts to go fishing. Following a day of fruitful fishing, an enormous fish fry would take place at his mother or sister's home. Also, Leon loved collard greens, Max's hot dogs on Long Branch Beach and big pots of overcooked and too salty stew containing huge chunks of ham and cabbage.

He made sure to purchase a case of Schickhaus franks at a store in Long Branch whenever he traveled to New Jersey. When the store went out of business, Leon quickly dispatched family researchers to track down a new hot dog source via the trusted internet. His children will always remember their father’s famous BBQ spareribs seasoned to perfection by his ever present charcoal vertical meat smoker; and the life lessons he taught such as practice makes perfect and do it right the first time so that you do not have to do it again. His family will cherish the memories of their many family vacations spent with their father in south Florida to celebrate Father's Day. These family escapes became a family tradition. Leon would reflect deeply on how proud he was of his children's numerous accomplishments and ongoing work ethic.

Notably, his grandchildren rose up and called him one bearing blessings always with a megawatt smile. They are: Ashley, Javar, Jada, Bria, and Tiara. Also cherishing his family-of-origin legacy are sisters Johnnie Knight-Wilder of Blythewood, SC and Yvonne Smith of Waynesboro, PA. Moreover, surviving are a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins spanning multiple generations of the family tree. Born in Ailey, GA on January 8, 1935, Leon was the son of the late Leon C. Adams and Savannah Brown Adams. He was the second eldest of seven children. In 1938, Leon moved to Long Branch with his paternal grandparents, the late Willie and Elizabeth Adams who raised him during his formative years.

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” - Maya Angelou

The 23rd Psalm