James Drew ‘Jim’ Adams
Adams
James Drew “Jim” Adams, 83, died Oct. 21.
He was born to Samuel Pitt and Alice Beatty on Nov. 2, 1934, in Tallahassee.
He moved to Anna Maria with his family as a boy and went to the small one room school in Anna Maria.
He graduated from Manatee High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Submarine Service.
He graduated from Florida State University in 1961 as a chemical engineer and had a career in aerospace with NASA, winning many awards, including the Manned Space Award for work on the shuttles and the Silver Snoopy award given by astronauts who orbited around the Earth. He stated many times it was the best job ever.
Mr. Adams was involved in local politics, serving as an Anna Maria commissioner and vice mayor for many years to help preserve the residential low-key flavor of the city for the future.
He was an avid pilot, sailor, diver and he loved hiking in the woods and on his favorite Anna Maria beach.
He was a member of Roser Memorial Community Church, the AOPA, the Smokey Mountain Association, FSU Alumni, the Colt Collector Association, USSVI, the Key Royale Club and the Moose Lodge.
A service of remembrance will be held at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Roser Church Missions. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Mr. Adams is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy; brothers John and Rick; daughters Paula Abdellatief and husband Aktham and April; sons Drew and wife Candy and Jaime and wife Jennifer; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews.