From a very young age, after his acceptance of Christ and baptism, James Cleveland Adams began glorifying the Lord in his singing, directing, and praising God at Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church. His mantra of praising God was continuously demonstrated in his life’s journey.
James was born on August 27, 1956, to Betty Sue Adams and Coleman Turner. On Thursday, April 11, 2024, he peacefully went home to God.
James was an inspiration to everyone he encountered. His humor and personality were like a magnet that attracted all types of individuals. He was unique and always had a radiant smile, and he had the ability to engage in conversations with everyone. Additionally, his compassion for the elderly was renowned, as was noted in his support of his elderly family members.
James graduated from J.O. Johnson High School in 1974 as a member of its charter class. He then matriculated to Alabama A&M University. During his second year, he was inducted into Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate Future Business Leaders of America Fraternity. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1977. In 1982, he received his Master of Business Administration degree, also from Alabama A&M University.
James put his bachelor’s and master’s degrees to good use. Following a stint of employment at J. F. Drake State College as an accountant, he was employed by the U.S. Army Missile Command. He had a long and distinguished career as a federal government employee at Redstone Arsenal. His civilian service began in 1980, culminating in 41 years when he retired in 2021 as a Branch Chief. Before retirement, he had achieved the position of Contract Specialist Supervisor at the U.S. Army Contracting Command.
With his talents in music, James had a great love for worshipping God. Since childhood, he skillfully used his voice in the choir at Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church. His musical talents expanded to playing the drums and becoming a “Maestro” at directing. As an adult, participating in choirs continued to bring him joy.
James, for a period of time, served as director of the Huntsville Mass Choir, and for many years, he was a dedicated member of the Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Fellowship Choir. He also sang with a local group, Voices of Inspiration, founded by Dr. Eugene Edwards, which performed throughout the region and opened for several gospel recording artists. The group was recognized by its label, Prestige Productions and Records, for “Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music” for the 1981 hit record “I Want My Crown.”
For decades, James directed choirs at Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church, including the Voices of Praise, for church services and special events. He and the musician, Deacon Elige Jones, collaborated and fostered musical excellence for the choir. Most recently, he directed the Sanctuary Choir at St. Elizabeth Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, Madison, Alabama, along with his lifelong friend and church pianist, Minister Paula R. Rooks.
What started as a friendship between James Adams and Gladys Jones slowly grew into a relationship of love. After a long courtship, they were united in holy matrimony in 1997 at a private ceremony at Couples Resort in Jamaica. Even though their relationship began as a blur, it developed into a blessed union of almost 27 years of marriage. Gladys’ family, LaToya and Carlos, became his family. James was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing was ever too good for his wife. James and Gladys were faithful to their vows to stay side by side in sickness and in health. They enjoyed fine dining and each other’s company. Weekends were often spent having family over for dinner. Shopping was another favorite pastime. When James retired from the Arsenal, he did what he loved — spending time with Gladys and his fur baby, Fester.
James is known as a kind, dignified, intelligent, dedicated child of God. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind to celebrate his life and legacy his loving and devoted wife, Gladys; children, LaToya Braun (Chad) and Carlos Jones (Edra); grandchildren, Tyre’ Jones, TaShaad Jones, Finn Braun, and Muireall Braun; and sister, Demaris Jenkins Hale; his father, Coleman Turner, and a host of extended family and friends. James was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Adams Jenkins, and his grandparents, Willie Mae Adams and Cleveland Adams, who raised him. He was also preceded in death by his aunt, Ester Mae Adams.
Until we meet again, and we surely shall, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
The funeral service for Mr. James Cleveland Adams will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church (2115 Winchester Road, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. Oscar L. Montgomery officiating. Entombment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mr. Adams will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024 and 8:30 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
In lieu of floral contributions, the family prefers donations be made in memory of Mr. James Cleveland Adams to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research https://lustgarten.org/
