John Adams

On Monday, January 9, 2023, John Stark Adams, Jr. passed away after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Susan Jane Hawthorn Adams, of the home, son John Stark Adams, III (Renee), grandchildren, Spencer, Blake, Avery, and Aidan Adams of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and his pup Heidi. He is also survived by daughters Jessica Lynn of Ft. Dodge, IA, and Rebecca Marie of NJ, sister Gwendy Sue (Stinky) Olivarez, DeSoto, KS, nieces Courtney (Steve) Otter, Casey (Charlie) Fitzgerald, and Carey (Scott) Hass. A loving extended family of aunts, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survives him.

John loved spending time with his family and friends in the Boy Scouts, hunting, and camping. In addition, he inherited a love of photography from his father and grandfather. John graduated from Lawrence High School in 1969, then joined the U.S. Navy as a radar technician. He served on three destroyers in his 16-year career: USS Lawrence, USS John King, and USS Claude V. Ricketts. During this time, he formed life-long friendships. His home base was Virginia Beach, VA, where he enjoyed spending time with his wife Susie and his pups. After retirement, he and Susie moved to Sioux City, IA, where he loved cheering on his KU Jayhawks just like his mama. John had a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a quick wit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Stark Adams, Sr. and Naomi (Toni) Lee Faulk Adams, his daughter Shelly Ann Adams, his grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family is planning a celebration of life in the summer. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS.