James Michael Adams – Born 5 February 1953. Jim Adams (or depending on how and when you knew him, James, Jimmy or Dad) died on April 21, 2018 after an extended illness. Jim led a life of service to those in need. He was born and raised in the Riverside area of Jacksonville and was a proud 5th generation Floridian. He attended Fishweir Elementary and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1972. Jim later earned degrees in Criminal Justice from Florida State University and Non-Profit Management from the University of North Florida.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Slappey and Conway Adams as well as his
brother, Stephen and son, Timothy. Jim was twice widowed – his first wife, Susan Nelson Adams
passed away in 1982 and his second wife, Donna Ann Harris in 2008. He is survived by his children Joel, Ashley and Aaron, his grandchildren Tegan and Piper, his sister Joan, and brother John, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and even more friends.
Equally important to his family are those whose lives were touched and changed by Jim’s
lifelong career helping others through his work in social services and public policy. He is
survived by this extended network of reunited, protected and new families. Beginning in the
1970s, Jim’s profession was ensuring better and safer lives for runaways, abused children,
veterans and those in need. As the former CEO of Family Support Service of North Florida, Jim was instrumental, with others like Justice David Gooding, in the creation of hundreds of forever families through such initiatives as the Heart Gallery. Jim served the citizens of Northeast Florida through his work in the political process and public policy, spending his time focused on his motto “ help just one person each day”.
• Served as Legislative Aide to State Representative Janet Adkins from 2013 to 2016
• Served as Congressional Aide to Congressman Ander Crenshaw 2016
• Served as Congressional Aide to Congressman Ted Yoho 2017 to 2018
• Served as Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party – 2002 – 2003
• Served as Republican State Committeeman for Nassau County 2016 to 2018
• Served as a member of the Nassau County School Board for 16 yrs
Jim was an avid adventurer who deeply enjoyed a life of travel. These adventures shaped him
and took him to every corner of the world. They were often the topic of many conversations with
his friends and family. He is now on one last adventure which will reunite him with those loved
ones who have preceded him.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 26, 2018 at 11:00am at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd located at 1100 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL with a reception following in the church hall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd. is serving the famiy.
