ADAMS, John Rankin, Jr. 1934-2009

ADAMS, SCHNEDLER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 12/30/2009 at 20:26:46

John Rankin Adams Jr.

John Rankin Adams Jr. of Nora Springs, Iowa, and Tierra Verde, Florida, passed away December 24, 2009. John was born July 5, 1934, the son of John R. Adams, Sr. and Elsie (Schnedler) Adams.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Ellen Adams.

John graduated from Nora Springs High School, attended Drake University and graduated from the University of Florida in 1956. He later received his Masters degree from the University of South Florida.

John's business career in Florida spanned over 40 years as a stock broker and financial advisor. During that time he served as Southeast Regional Vice President of Raymond, James Associates, Inc. and also as President of Adams Financial, Inc. He retired in 2000 to devote more time to his many interests. His love of sailing began at Clear Lake where he learned to race a snipe. This love of sailing continued in Florida where he often sailed in the Gulf of Mexico.

He also enjoyed growing all kinds of plants, particularly orchids. Perhaps John's greatest enjoyment was traveling. He took numerous trips worldwide, always traveling casually and preferring to mingle with the local people. The itinerary of one of his trips to France was based on the battles his father fought in during World War I.

John had a great appreciation of nature and the arts, especially classical music. He was a supporter of various humanitarian and animal rights organizations as well as the conservation of natural resources.

Although John settled in Florida he always felt that his roots were in Iowa where his grandparents were among the early settlers in Nora Springs. Several years ago the family farm received the designation of Century Farm, indicating that it had been owned by the same family for over 100 years. Each spring and fall John looked forward to spending time in Nora Springs; he especially enjoyed having breakfast at the Nora Inn with the other farmers and keeping up with the latest farm and political news.

John enjoyed the challenge of helping others reach their potential. His belief in the importance of a good education prompted him to establish a scholarship fund for Nora Springs graduates, as part of the Adams Family Foundation of Nora Springs, Iowa.

John will be greatly missed by his many friends throughout the country. According to his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no services. Memorials may be directed to any of the following: First Church of Christ, Scientist, PO Box 83, Clear Lake, IA 50428; the Nora Springs Historical Society, PO Box 722, Nora Springs, IA 50458; the Adams Family Foundation of Nora Springs, Iowa, First Security Bank-Attn. Greg Johnson, PO Box 306, Nora Springs, IA 50458; The Nature Conservancy, PO Box 6014, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Found on a slip of paper on John's desk, in his handwriting: "God is in charge."

Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Ave., Nora Springs, 641-749-2210 - www.colonialchapels.com

[Published in Mason City Globe-Gazette online, December 30, 2009]