James Gregory Adams
September 15, 1937 ~ December 16, 2022
It is with great sorrow that we share with you the passing of James Gregory (“Greg”) Adams, beloved husband of Joan Emily Adams and father of Debora J. (David) Miller, Pamela A. (Mike) Laigle, and Lisa Renee Quade; Grandfather of Angela (Jesse) Dixon, Rebecca (William) Riley-Sullivan, and Emily R. Quade and Great Grandfather (five boys). Greg is also survived by his brother-in-law, James McCracken of Lincoln, California as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Greg dedicated his life to family and community. Greg was born September 15, 1937, preceded in death and son of Ernest T. and Mary Henrietta (Boothe) Adams, brother to Jenny C. Balta, Ernest T. Adams Jr., Anne Goode, Franklin Adams, Francis Adams and Joan Marie McCracken.
The family spent many happy years working in agriculture at Raggedy Lane Farm in Drayden, MD. Greg served in the United States Air Force stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, after graduating from St. Mary’s Academy Class of 1955. At the age of 16, “Grr” joined the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (SDVFDRS) in Valley Lee, MD. As a SDVFDRS lifetime member (69 years), he volunteered untold hours as a Firefighter, EMS Responder, Chief, President, LOSAP Advocate, St. Mary’s County Emergency Services Communications Consultant, and most recently as a member of the board for the “State of the Art” SDVFDRS Facility in Valley Lee, MD. Greg’s outstanding service was recognized with numerous awards and accolades to include dedication of SDVFDRS Fire Engine 63 and Valley Lee 9-1-1 Next Gen Communications Tower. Greg retired from Thirty-Five years of US Government Civil Service as a Ground Electronics Technician and Supervisor.
During the early years of Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center, his Civil Service Career culminated in a foundational Ground and Air Traffic Control Communication Services Capability. Post-retirement, Greg devoted his time with family and friends doing activities that he enjoyed - boating, crabbing, fishing, farming, traveling across the US, Canada, Mexico in his 99 Dutch Star Recreational Vehicle, and dancing with his beautiful wife of 62 years. He is remembered by all with great pride and love. We will all miss you always.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 Pm followed by Firemen's Prayers at 7:15 PM in the Second Dist. vol. Firehouse Valley Lee, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM in St. George Catholic Church Valley Lee, MD, with Father Paul Nguyen officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
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So sorry to hear of Greg’s death. I met many “new people” since Mary Ann and I were married mid-life in 2000 and I always felt that Greg was about the most genuinely friendly and honorable among so many good people. A person everyone would look up to. While we did not meet that often, I certainly will miss him.
Chief,
You were the first Chief in my long tenure in the fire service. You are also the number one Chief in my heart, and will forever be so. You were a huge influence on me during my formative years, transitioning from an adolescent into an adult. I can’t even begin to remember all of the things I learned from you. Not just about firefighting, but about life itself, and how to be a good and honorable person. Your actions and guidance instilled confidence in me as a young man and fire officer many years ago, and that set the tone for my own leadership style and values that carried me through my volunteer as well as my career tenure in the fire service. You might not realize it, but the young men around you when you were Chief admired and looked up to you, tried to emulate you, and looked for your approval on just about everything we did. You were always there for us whenever we needed a word of encouragement, a pat on the back, advice on how to do this or that, and yes, even a kick in the pants when we needed it. (You never really did, but you always threatened us with it) Until we meet again, I will surely miss you, and I will never forget all that you did for me throughout all of those wonderful years. Thank you for those many years of memories. When I get there, I will certainly look you up, and we can once again solve all of the problems and have our frank discussions again. RIP Chief!
Mike Roberts
Chief,
You were the first Chief in my long tenure in the fire service. You are also the number one Chief in my heart, and will forever be so. You were a huge influence on me during my formative years, transitioning from an adolescent into an adult. I can’t even begin to remember all of the things I learned from you. Not just about firefighting, but about life itself, and how to be a good and honorable person. Your actions and guidance instilled confidence in me as a young man and fire officer many years ago, and that set the tone for my own leadership style and values that carried me through my volunteer as well as my career tenure in the fire service. You might not realize it, but the young men around you when you were Chief admired and looked up to you, tried to emulate you, and looked for your approval on just about everything we did. You were always there for us whenever we needed a word of encouragement, a pat on the back, advice on how to do this or that, and yes, even a kick in the pants when we needed it. (You never really did, but you always threatened us with it) Until we meet again, I will surely miss you, and I will never forget all that you did for me throughout all of those wonderful years. Thank you for those many years of memories. When I get there, I will certainly look you up, and we can once again solve all of the problems and have our frank discussions again. RIP Chief!
Mike Roberts
Mrs. Adams, Debbie, Pam and Lisa,
Your dad did so much for the community and his years of service, says it all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Robin Allwine Duke
Joan and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Gregory’s passing. I know that he and Doug are up there talking about the “old days” and everything else like they always did. I know you have lost a piece of your heart but you have so many memories that will never be taken away. I pray that God wraps his arms around you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless You All. Waverley Medley
Joan & Family, my sincerest condolences to all of you. I have known Greg for over 57 years. He was one of the finest human beings I have ever known. I was honored to serve as Secretary to the Fireboard when Greg was Chairman. He was a Leader among men. I know that he has been reunited with the other great people in Fire Departments of St. Mary’s County. I’m sure Sam Vallandingham, George McWilliams, Doug Medley and Russell Dean, to name a few, met him at the Gates of Heaven with open arms. I will miss him so much. May God Bless you and the family Real Good. Rest easy Chief 6, forever in my Heart. Love You Brother,
Joe Cooper, Past Chief 4
Joan, Debbie, Pam, Lisa and Family,
Sorry for your loss. No words need to be said about Gregory! We know the joy and happiness he brought to all that knew him. Keep all the great memories close to your heart! RIP Gregory! Love, Evelyn
Greg and Joan have been people we’ve associated strongly with our memories in St. Mary’s County. They’ve been incredible, strong support as they extended to the entire community. Our heart-felt condolences are for Joan, her family and the fraternal family.
Much love & respect,
The Edmonds and Rock families
Rip James Gregory