James Clifford Adams

To James Clifford Adams, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For James, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. James really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

James was born on July 11, 1913 at home in Etowah County, Alabama. His parents were Ben and Eliza. James was raised in Gadsden, Alabama. Even as a child, James had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

Always a good playmate, James was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, James managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. James was raised with four siblings: Bill, Mattie, Marvin, and Ann.

James never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed James to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. James delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, James was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. James utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. A lifelong friend of James' was, Guy Strong. James loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made James very easy to approach. On 1947 James exchanged wedding vows with Dorothy Rose Hicks at the court house in Anniston, Alabama. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Perhaps the reason James related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own child. James was blessed with one daughter, Betty Joan. He was also blessed with one granddaughter, Keisha Rena and three great-grandchildren: Dalton, Madison, and Chelsea . James had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. James' compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, James had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, James was a real “people person. ” he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. James liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, James was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. James' talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see James as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was as a machinist. He was employed for 34 years at M & H Value.

James was a Navy veteran. He spent most of his time aboard the USS Impeccable and saw action for World War II.

James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, James liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were dancing and riding his motorcycle. James also felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, James loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. James relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, James never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included fishing and hunting. James was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were University of Alabama football and NASCAR. James was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

James had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, James' service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. Throughout his later years, James was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, VFW, and the Moose Lodge.

A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, James often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Outspoken in his beliefs, yet tactful in his dealings with others, James was a member of several community groups, serving on committees for the VFW Assistance Group.

James was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of James' favorites was Penny, a black Poodle. They were best friends for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his parakeets.

James believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1974, James took it in stride as one more way to have fun. His new life involved relocating to Naples, Florida. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, James remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, he found new pleasure in fishing and dancing. Even in retirement, James continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

James passed away on December 2, 2010 at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, Nevada after fighting a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his daughter, Joan; granddaughter, Keisha; and his great-grandchildren: Dalton, Madison, and Chelsea. Services were held at Eulation Baptist Church. James was laid to rest in Anniston, Alabama.

James brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. James Clifford Adams lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.