passed away June 21, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. He was born on October 29, 1923 in Denver to Walter and Rose Adams. John attended East High, CU, and DU. He was an outstanding high school and collegiate athlete. At DU, John met his future wife, Barbara Ann Ritchie. They were married in Denver on March 25, 1947. He coached and taught in Denver Public Schools for 40 years. John worked as a referee and supervisor of officials for the Western Athletic Conference. He served as chairman of NCAA Rules Committee and was a well-recognized authority on college football rules. John was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Ritchie Adams, his daughter Patricia Adams (David Ballast), sons Bruce and Patrick (Chris Hamlyn), and grandchildren Kelly Campbell and Lance Adams. Preceded in death by daughter Carol and brother Walter. Donations in his memory to the Denver Teachers' Club, 1617 S. Acoma Street, Denver, CO 80223 c/o Assistant Fund. Services will be held at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 East Hampden Avenue in Denver on Thursday, June 30 at 10 am.
