Mr. James Adams Jr

ADAMS JR., Mr. James - Age 99, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in Burton, MI. Family hour 10:00 AM Thursday, February 19, 2026, at St. John Vianney Church, 2415 Bagley St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Father Matthew Bonk, Officiating. Interment New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4142 Flushing Rd., Flint, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Thursday. Mr. Adams Jr will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed during family hour. James Adams was born on April 23, 1926, in Natchez, Mississippi, the eldest of two children born to James and Maggie Adams. At the tender age of two, he experienced the profound loss of his mother and was separated from his infant sister, Edna Mae. Raised as an only child on a rural farm, he grew tall and strong despite the hardships of the time. A white horse became his cherished companion during those years. As a young man in the segregated South, James was denied the opportunity to complete his education. Yet he persevered, working various jobs until being drafted into the US Navy during World War II. He served aboard a search and rescue ship and was honorably discharged in 1946. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Helen Mikell. Together they built a strong and enduring union that spanned 77 years and were blessed with six children. Seeking better opportunities, James relocated to Michigan in 1956, where he began a long and dedicated career with General Motors. Through hard work, integrity, and genuine concern for others, he advanced into management, inspiring his children and extended family to pursue academic excellence and personal growth. James generously opened his home to relatives migrating from the South, offering them shelter and support until they were established. James’s faith was central to his life. He joined the Catholic Church in Mississippi before moving his family to Michigan. James ensured his children were baptized and educated in the Catholic tradition at Sacred Heart Church in Flint, MI. He faithfully served there as well as St. Agnes Church in Flint, MI, in numerous capacities, including administrative roles, the food pantry and St. Joseph Guild. After the closure of Sacred Heart and St. Agnes churches he became an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint, MI. James served with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He also served with the Knights of Columbus and was an Honorary Life member for 58 years. For 2 of those years, he was Faithful Navigator. He served with the Holy Family Council 4285 of Mt. Morris MI as a 3rd degree and Leon J. Stkowiak Assembly 524 as a 4th degree Knight. James found joy in reading, golfing, watching comedy sitcoms and westerns. He loved to travel and spend treasured time with family. Known for his infectious smile and hearty laugh, James delighted in surprising others and bringing happiness whenever he could. After 99 years and 9 months of a life well lived and deeply loved, James entered eternal rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. James was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie Adams; father, James Adams, Sr.; sister, Edna Mae Phipps; and grandson, Vincent Adams II. James Adams leaves to cherish his memory: devoted and loving wife of 77 years, Helen Adams; four daughters, Velma Adams, of Flint, MI; Patricia Pickens of Flint, MI; Geraldine McElroy of Charlotte, NC; and Gisele (Charles) Harvey of Flint, MI. Two sons, Vincent (Marie) Adams of Jacksonville, Fl, and James U. Adams of Aurora, CO. He was a proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, along with a host of extended family and friends who will forever cherish his legacy. Acknowledgement The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to all of you for your prayers, presence, love, telephone calls, and all other expressions of concern that you have shown during our time of bereavement. Never more than now was your kindness needed and more appreciated. May God richly bless each, and every one of you. The Family of Mr. James Adams Jr.

Mr. James Adams Jr

April 23, 1926 - January 28, 2026