A graveside service will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Funks Grove Church and Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community Cancer Center Foundation, McLean County.
James F. Adams was born March 25, 1936, the only son of Karl and Helen Adams, Bloomington, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Wapella High School and the University of Illinois in Urbana. On March 15, 1959, he married Marcia Meeker of Normal. During 52 years of marriage they had one son, Jeff (Karol), Bloomington; and two daughters, Julie Adams Painter (David), Auburn, Ind., and Lisa Adams, Kansas City, Kan. He had four grandchildren, Laura and Kristen (Jeff) Adams and Daniel and Joe (Julie) Painter. All are surviving.
A McLean County farmer for 50 years, Jim also owned several businesses including Adams Trucking and Adams Fertilizer. He was an Illinois Farm Bureau member and McLean County 4-H Fair Board member. He was also a 30-year member and trustee of the Downs Fire Department.
A longtime livestock producer, Jim supported his three children in national, state and local cattle and horse show events for more than 20 years.
In 1985, he was a recipient of the Master Farmer of McLean County. An avid antique tractor enthusiastic, Jim served as president of the Central States Thresherman’s Reunion in Pontiac for several years and remained active in the organization until 2011.
Jim was a boating enthusiast who spent the last 20 years sailing Florida’s coastal regions over the winter months with his wife and family. Jim also had a love of flying airplanes. Jim earned his commercial pilot’s license in 1985.
He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy between 1956 and 1961. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church.
Farming was Jim’s true passion. He had a deep sense of responsibility for the care and conservation of the farms he managed for his family and friends. Jim and his family greatly valued the support, commitment of lifelong employees, i.e. Kenneth (Corky) Atchison, Lawrence (Riley) Kramer and Harold (Pappy) Dunlap. Individuals that Jim considered as family members included Larry Milby, Nicole Kramer and Andy Kraft.
Online condolences may be sent at www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.
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