James “Jerry” Adams of Stanley passed away on Friday September 3, 2021. He was 82 years old. Jerry was born in Gastonia and he considered Gaston County his home. He was a committed Christian and an active member of Hilllview Baptist Church in Dallas. Jerry served his country in the United States Army. He was active in the local veteran’s community including being the Commander of the American Legion post 266 in Stanley for several years. He was also a volunteer fireman for 20 years at the Stanley Fire Department. His family said he was a great man – “the best.” He loved his grandchildren and they remember his rough hands and his warm heart. Jerry was a prankster who loved to joke and tease. He was known for his large vegetable gardens and he liked being outside to cut grass. His hobbies included fishing, golf and traveling. His family, friends and community are deeply grieved at his passing.
Jerry is the son of the late Isadora (Barnett) Adams and Roy Lee Adams. Jerry is one of nine brothers and sisters. His sister, Patsy Costner, and his brothers, Paul Adams and R. L. Adams, and his favorite uncle, R.Q. Barnett, precede him in death.
Left to cherish their memories of Jerry are his wife of 36 years, Bonita (Taylor) Adams of the home and daughter, Bobbi Carris and her husband Steve and sons Kevin Adams, Stacey Adams and Gary Taylor. Missing their grandfather are his grandchildren – Megan Tillman, April Bickford and her husband Matt, Jordan Tillman and his wife Sara, Madison Adams and Adin Taylor. Jerry’s legacy includes his four great-grandchildren - Joey Blanton, Jackson Bickford, Parker Bickford and Charlotte Tolodziecki. Jerry also has another great-grandson on the way. His sisters – Barbara Freeman, Janice Handsil, Wanda Adams and Karen Adams and brother, Phil Adams survive Jerry. Many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as other extended family members, are also missing Jerry.
A service celebrating the life of Jerry will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday September 11, 2021 at his home church, Hillview Baptist Church, 403 Dallas Stanley Highway, Dallas, NC. The family will receive friends before the service from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church. Pastor Randy Stiles will offer words of encouragement and hope to family and friends that gather to remember Jerry. Jimmy Wallace, Jordan Tillman, Adin Taylor, Matt Bickford, Johnny Adams and Trevor Hurst will serve as pallbearers.
Jerry will be entombed following the Celebration of Life Service at Hillcrest Garden Cemetery Mausoleum, 1508 Charles Raper Jonas Highway, Mount Holly. The United States Army and The Gaston County Honor Guard will accord full military honors.
Fond memories of Jerry, and condolences for the family, may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Jerry’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105 or www.stjude.org.
The staff of Carothers Funeral Home in Stanley is honored to serve the Adams family.
