John F. "Jack" Adams (1931-2015)

ADAMS, MACY, TEIG, GEAR, MOORE, STEVENS

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/22/2015 at 09:21:37

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

John F. (Jack) Adams, of Ames, passed away on August 6, 2015 under the loving care of hospice at Northcrest Community Care Center. Immediately prior to his passing, Jack spent an active four weeks with his immediate and extended family and many friends at his cabin on Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota. He was 83.

Jack was born on October 2, 1931 to Clinton J. and Margaret (Macy) Adams in Ames, Iowa. He graduated from Ames High in 1949, and attended Kemper Military School before receiving his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1953. Jack was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.

Jack was a First Lieutenant (Captain in the USAF Reserves) for the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving as a radar interceptor controller in Japan from 1954 to 1956. Jack enjoyed reminiscing with fellow area veterans during the 2013 Story County Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C.

In 1959, Jack became the loving husband of Barbara J. Teig of Story City, and together they enjoyed a life of love, friendship and many good times with their children and grandchildren.

Jack served as Vice President of Collegiate Manufacturing Company and then at Ames Millwork before retiring in 1983. Jack became the first official “Cy” when he wore the mascot costume for Collegiate when “Cy” was unveiled at a 1954 Iowa State University homecoming pep rally.

Jack was an avid sports fan and an active member in the Cyclone Club. Jack and Barb held season tickets for all major Cyclone sports and particularly enjoyed football tailgates with their dear friends in lot C-6. Jack’s commitment to Iowa State University is further evidenced by he and Barb’s membership in the Order of the Knoll through the Iowa State Foundation.

Jack made immeasurable impacts on the Ames community through his membership in service organizations including the Masonic Blue Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shriners, Kiwanis, Lions, the American Legion, the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Ames Public Library, the Ames Historical Society, the Ames Choral Society, ACTORS, and as a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ames and the Union Congregational Church in Hackensack, MN.

It’s been said that everyone dies with a little music still left in them, and Jack was no exception. In high school, Jack played the clarinet for the Ames High Swingsters and then in the University of Iowa Marching Band. As a teenager, Jack and his friends spent many Saturday evenings in the balcony of the Great Hall in the Iowa State University Memorial Union listening to the big bands, which included the great Stan Kenton. Jack and Barb were members of the Red Friars Dance Club for many years, although he preferred to listen to the bands over dancing. He sang in the First United Methodist Church and the Union Congregational Church choirs, and the Golden K Kiwanis Men’s Chorus. He and Barb attended many symphonies and big band concerts at Iowa State University, as well as other nearby colleges.

Jack loved anything to do with flight, obtaining his private pilot’s license when he was 16. After church, he regularly took his family for Sunday afternoon flights around the central Iowa area. Jack and Barb also attended many air shows across the country with close friends.

Some of Jack’s most memorable times were with his extended family at their cabin on Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota. Jack enjoyed sharing the lake place with many friends over the years, and especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jack was past president of the Ten Mile Lake Association and served on numerous association committees to protect the lake and surrounding environment. During July 2015, Jack had the chance to enjoy extended visits with friends and family, treat his family to dinners at the new restaurant on the lake, and reminisce with his wife and daughters during outings to nearby small towns and lakes.

Jack is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Lori (Paul) Gear and grandson, Chris of Round Rock, TX; his daughter, Cathi Adams and granddaughter, Jourdan Moore of Ames and Jourdan's fiancé, Austin Fichter of Shenandoah; his sister, Marna Stevens of New Hope, MN; his many nieces and nephews; and his many dear friends, near and far.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his brother, Bruce; and many close friends and family.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp mind and upbeat attitude. He maintained a high standard in all that he did in which his survivors can only hope to achieve.

Barb and family would like to thank their dearest friends and extended family for their support during these past few months. Also, thanks to Leslie Christenson, MD and Larry Otteman, MD, and all the people that helped Dad at McFarland Clinic, and the many health care specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for giving Dad the chance to live the quality of life he desired and deserved for much longer than expected. The family also extends their eternal gratitude to the compassionate staff at Northcrest Community Care Center and Mary Greeley Hospice Care who lovingly assisted Dad with his ascension to the kingdom of heaven.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church, the Cancer Research Center at Mary Greeley Medical Center, or Northcrest Community Center, all in Ames.

A private family burial with military honors will be held at Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Memorial Service
AUG 21. 11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church
516 Kellogg Avenue
Ames, IA, US

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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