I worked with John at Browning.  My husband wanted to become a Basketball Official.   First person he called for advice was John.

Always willing to help and offer advice. 

Sad to see he passed.

Patty Conrad

Mary Beth:
I just learned of John’s passing- John was always so nice to me, and we go all the way back to Missouri Valley Days. As a young new coach he was always so kind and helpful. I truly appreciated all he did for me. Please know you, and the family are in our thoughts and prayers!

God’s Blessings!
Steve Alford

I just want to thank John for his dedication to making all of us better officials.  I started my Division 1 journey when John was Coordinator of Officials.  He always made a point to make everyone feel comfortable whether it was a Final Four official or someone like myself getting their feet wet at the regional clinics.  The game was in a better position when he left due to his leadership.  I wish the Adams family all the best during this period knowing that he is in a better place as he looks down on all of us.

From the Steve Fritsch Family,
Our deepest sympathy to the Adams family upon John's death.
Are paths first crossed at Allisonville Little League with our son's Rob and Ed competing at the same time as Patrick and Tim.
Later we would see John at many Hanover College games that we were at since we were very active in HC activities.
John was a great competitor as a coach, and he will be greatly missed.
His passing brought back great memories over an 8- or 9-year period of youth baseball at Allisonville Little League and C League Baseball.

Just hearing the news of my great friend John Adams going up to be with our Lord in Heaven.

Always enjoyed being with John, his lovely wife Mary Beth, son Patrick and all of the brothers.

Many fun times on the links here at Kiawah Island, SC, Atlanta, Ga or Indiana. One of my favorite JA stories was a beauty. The PGA was being played at Crooked Stick in Carmel and the Chairman received a call that one of the players was sleeping in his car, so of course he says…get him out of there…whereby he also is told the fella was also leading the tournament…OK…move him and his clothes to my guest house…the fella won the tourney.

I loved John and we’ll all miss him but we all know he found some Peace that many will search for…my thoughts and prayers are with The Adams Family.

JC Long

My deepest and sincere condolences of John’s passing. I first met John when I was the head coach at Wright State. 
We immediately hit it off because of our straightforward approach. But my first real encounter with him was my very first collegiate game as a head coach. Let’s just say it didn’t end the way I thought it would.

John called me before the game and said that he was going to try some new officials out. Some tough and questionable calls down the stretch by those new officials. 

Which led me into a heated moment at the end of the game. I said and did some things that we’re not becoming as a leader. 

I saw John in the hallway after he didn’t say much. But I knew he wasn’t happy with me and I wasn’t happy with his officials.

We talked the next day. Needless to say we both had a lot on our mind. He handled it with such fairness and firmness. We got real close over the years after. We’ve always talked officials, officiating, the game, and he loved to talk about his family! When he was in your corner you could count on him! 

May his legacy of values and lessons live on through his family and friends. His wisdom and knowledge taught many. 
God bless him and his entire family.

Mary Beth and Family…

My condolences on the passing of John.  Like many officials, I had the opportunity to officiate for John during his tenure as National Coordinator. I enjoyed our many conversations about books, basketball and other sports as well. It was always nice to see him at other arenas after his retirement as well.  John will be missed and he has left a wonderful legacy with his family. God Bless John.

Adams Family,
Very sorry about the loss of a great guy. He was very instrumental when it came to officiating. He gave me a lot of great tips to help me get better. I’m never going to forget being at the Championship game in 2015. I couldn’t have asked for a greater time. He made sure I got to the game ok and made sure the families were set. He was a true family man. A great guy to be around. I’ll miss my conversations with him. RIP my friend

My condolences to the family John was a straight shooter and I appreciate him for being that way he definitely be remembered as one of the greats as coordinator of officials for the NCAA 
God bless u and the family 
Courtney Holmes

I so much regret not having been able to be on hand for the memorial services for John. He was a special guy. He cared deeply about those who served as sports officials. We met because of that caring. Many times we shared a coffee in Indy when my business trips brought me to town. I always looked forward to being with him. I liked his straight-ahead no nonsense approach to officiating...to life actually.
      Officiating is not for the faint of heart. We need folks like John to force us to evaluate and reevaluate what we do as officials. Yes, there were times when he tweaked us hard and we were not pleased. But, at the end of the day, we knew that he cared – cared about sports officials and their contributions to sports. He already is so missed. 
Barry Mano, Founder, Referee Magazine/National Association of Sports Officials.

John was a true friend. I will miss him. He truly cared about the game we all love.. Basketball.. His work as National Coordinator was outstanding. He had the ability to listen , learn and adapt to what was best for the game and it's officials.  RIP my friend. You will always be remembered.   My prayers and sympathy to the Adams  family. I am so sorry..    Joe Forte

John has inspired generations of men and women across this country.  Over the past two years he has been an extremely important figure in my life. He is single handily responsible for getting me into basketball officiating and has invested so much of his own person time, energy, and effort into my development.  I am beyond grateful for his influence in my life. As I start this chapter of my life outside of the Naval service, John’s influence will be one of the main factors in my new career path & life.  He was thankful for my service, but I’m so thankful for his service to my life. I’m going to miss him immensely.  My prayers to the entire family and all the people who love him. -Grant

Adams Family

John was very instrumental in my collegiate officiating career; in fact, he is solely responsible for introducing me to collegiate basketball officiating. I met him back in 2008 at a local high school banquet he was speaking at. Afterwards, he took the time to talk to me individually about how to become a college basketball ref. He didn't know me from Adam. I was a young, green, 21 year old kid who was in aww of the NCAA Men's basketball coordinator of officials. But he took the time to talk to me that night and followed up on his promise to introduce me to the right people to succeed in this profession. For that I am forever grateful.

So sorry to hear about your loss, Johnny. I remember working for your dad at the Athletic Department in the 80s—my first job in high school. He was a great boss and just a great person. Always professional and kind. I also remember seeing him referee a game or two while I attended Wabash College. I remember sharing a few words during halftime at one of the games. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.

To The Adams family,

Please know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.  John was a great friend to me for over 20 years and help guide me through this crazy officiating business.   When I was down or had a bad game he seemed to always have just the right thing to say to kick me in the butt and get me ready for my next game.  A few years ago during the pandemic, I was in Indy for the NCAA Tourney and unfortunately I tested positive for Covid and was sent home.  John either called or texted me everyday to check on me.  Very special man.  Glad God brought John Adams into my life!

I met John in 1977 when Peggy and I moved to Indy to help out at the Athletic Department sporting goods store. Neither of us had experience in retail but we shared a passion for sports. Over the next few years, the single store on Keystone grew to 10 stores. John's energy and confidence was a big part of AD's success. Just as important, John was my guild to the city and state that he loved. We also played on softball teams together and also were members of the NDA (National Dunkball Association, a group of guys that played full court BB on 8 ft rims).  I wish I had a photo to share but unfortunately those were the days before cell phones. Best wishes to Mary Beth and the family from the Jacobs family. We donated to the SEAL fund in John's honor.

To Mary Beth and family,
I will always consider it the most special honor that John asked me to help him regain his strength and fitness.  Our sessions at the gym were more than that.  We had meaningful conversations that I will always cherish.  I told him that he did as much for me as I did for him.  You have my deepest condolences.  

Sincerely,

Sue Shepherd
(Former Peak Fitness trainer)

Every day when I would come over to watch our PT basketball practice, John always greeted me with a smile and a hand shake. He always asked me how I was doing and how school was going both for me and my students. Since I teach US Govt/Political History, we would often typically move into a very meaningful discussion about American politics and culture. What mattered most here was not whether we agreed, but the wonderful and respectful friendship that had evolved. John was indeed a colleague and a dear friend concerned about everyone. His was unquestionably a lifestyle of leadership that will always remain as an inspiration to me as an educator and a person. Bravo, John Adams! And thank you!  -Joe Fumusa

Wonderful article in the Indy Star and a fantastic obituary.
John was an influencer way before social media. May he finally rest in peace and enjoy his heavenly life.
Honored to be his friend, Tim Medland

The Desautels family expresses its regret to hear of John’s  passing. Our best to Mary Beth and all of the family. God bless you all… and thank you John for all you did for the organizations you gave so much to.

Mr. Adams,

As one of my dad's dearest friends, you have been a constant presence in my life for as long as I can remember.  What started out as me tagging along to caddy/clean clubs as a kid evolved into being one of the regulars in the weekly golf game, ultimately culminating into some of the best weekends of my life with the Father Son Golf Trips to Palmetto.   Though out those years, you weren't just my dad's friend, you became my friend.  I will miss our conversations about our favorite sports teams, the best new Netflix series to watch and the constant state of flux within the various athletic programs at IU.  Just yesterday, when I saw the Hoosiers final score my initial instinct was to reach out to you.  While it hurts knowing I will no longer be able to do that, I am happy to know that you are now living pain free and at peace.  You fought as hard as anyone could for 20+ years and that makes all of us that call you ours extremely proud.  Thank you for everything Mr. Adams, the memories we shared will live with me forever, and like so many others, will always bring a smile to my face.  To all the Adams Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  And a special thank you to you all for sharing JWA3 with each and every one of us. 

Michael Gibboney

The world lost one of the great champions as a father , husband and to everyone who knew him. 

“Time goes by but always leaves it’s shadow “

John’s shadow will continue to be a beacon for generations to come. 

My Gods everlasting light shine it’s blessings on the family as they celebrate John’s life 🙏

43 years in a second. Seems like only yesterday we met on the road to basketball. 
John was first and always a friend! To Mary Beth and the family you have our prayers and deepest sympathy.
I can only say one thing more “a life well lived!”
Beth and Mike Sanzere

I remember MB and JA’s wedding!  MB saved Johnny from an every day dose of this crew.  Marrying MB and moving to Indy were the two best decisions Johnny ever made.  The old saying “ It ain’t the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog” was written for Johnny Adams.  Even though we only got together maybe twice a year over the last 40 years, he was my best and oldest friend.
I will miss him and never forget JA.

The best ! Great friend and golfing pal for 36 years . Too many events to even try to relate  . Texted with him every day for the last month , knew he was failing , but as usual he never gave up . He was a wonderful father ( although known to have an occasional temper tantrum) ,loved his family and was the ever loyal friend ( there are many) . I have too many funny stories - they would encompass a novel  of epic proportions . To give you an idea how much I loved him I actually took him on my honeymoon ( not recommended ) . I am saddened by his passing but ever richer for the experience . As he would say GFY ( golf for youth ) . Amen🌴⛳️

To the whole Adams clan:

Sending all the love, thoughts and blessings to you in this moment.  John was a force in all of our lives and especially in our family to Dad (Wally) and  Nik.  He was an incredible human being and family man, and led such a rich worthy life of which family (all of you) was the cornerstone.    It gives me comfort to know he is in the most peaceful place now and his  impact will continue on through all of you.  Sending so much love to all the Adams - Brynn

"...To live in this world 
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go..." 
-Mary Oliver

OBITUARY

John Willard Adams III

November 17, 1948 – September 28, 2023

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