James Vincent Adams

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Adams, James Vincent 76, passed away 24 Nov 2008, from lung cancer, ending a colorful, eclectic life. A Minneapolis native (born 6 Apr 1932), Jim held 107 jobs including StarTribune carrier, pin setter at Melody Lanes, Cargill grain handler, chicken processor, cabby, hobo, painter, juke box singer, landscaper, florist, cowboy, machinist, silver miner, salesman, bodyguard, professional gambler, musician, and poet. Retired from the Security Division of Warner Bros. Pictures, Burbank, CA, in 1991. Graduate of Annunciation Grade School (1946), and DeLaSalle High School (1950), Jim was a Korean War veteran who served as a radar technician with the U.S.A.F. (1951-53), and briefly attended Marquette University studying journalism and biology. Jim published several novels. "Last Trip to Vegas" (available from Amazon) covers the heyday of Binion's Horseshoe in Las Vegas, when it was the only "no-limit" casino on earth. Those wishing to see some of Jim's sonnets may visit "The Web Poetry Corner," clicking letter A, and scrolling down to J.V. Adams, Whittier, CA. Preceded in death by father, Edward F. Adams; mother, Mildred McDonald Adams; stepmother, Ellen Cullen Adams; infant brother; niece, Suzanne Therese; and life-time friend, DuWayne Breault. Survived by sisters, Mary Theresa Storms, Madonna R. Adams, Millicent B. Dosh (Terry); brothers, John S. Adams (Judith) and Edward J. Adams (Sue); scores of cousins, nieces and nephews whom Jim fascinated; and friends, Lewie, Gen, and the Allen clan, Whittier, CA. How Jim lived as long as he did amazed us. Rosary & visitation, Saturday, 6 Dec- ember, 9-11 a.m., St. Frances Cabrini Church, 1500 Franklin Ave, SE, Minneapolis 55414; funeral Mass 11 a.m., with potluck lunch following. Burial at Church of St. Thomas Cemetery at Jessenland, MN, near Blakeley, next to maternal grandparents, Mary Josephine (Josie) McDonnell and Matthew McDonnell. Jim often wondered about the hereafter, asking that his tombstone carry the inscription: "Now He Knows." Arrangements by Washburn-McReavy. Memorials to Lake Country Montessori Endowment.

Published on November 30, 2008