GREAT BEND — James F. Adams, 86, went to his heavenly home Tuesday afternoon Aug. 19, 2014.
He was born March 3, 1928 in Stafford County, the son of Bernard F. “Ben” and Louise Eliza (Wuestenfeld) Adams.
He married Mary Lee Tucker April 15, 1948 at Lindsborg, recently celebrating 66 years of marriage. He attended Bethany College, Lindsborg. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Korea.
In 1960, James became a Certified Public Accountant, only recently retiring after practicing accounting for 60 years. He was the founding member of the firm that is now known as Adams, Brown, Beran, and Ball, which originally began in 1960 when James became a partner with Dexter Miner to form Miner and Adams. Throughout these years he was a life member of and active in the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants.
He served on various committees including the Professional Education Committee, and the Special Legislative Drafting Committee, also as an officer, and then as the KSCPA President in 1985-1986. He was a life member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served individual and corporate clients’ needs, as well as government entities and non-profit organizations during his career. He served for seven years on the Bethany College Board of Trustees.
James was an active and committed lifelong member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for 50 years. He was deeply interested and involved in Christian ministry work of all kinds. He taught Bible classes and supported mission efforts on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, and Roca Blanca Mission in Cacalotepec, Mexico — two works that were particularly significant to him.
Throughout his life he was an avid reader of history, possessed an artistic eye which he demonstrated through a legacy of photographic work, and his support for his wife’s own pursuits in painting.
He will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of impeccable character and integrity in every area of his life, a professional of the highest standards, and as a rare example of the Christian walk — a man with infectious wit, sharp intellect, a heart for others, most especially his family, and a smile that would light up his face and those around him.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee, of the home; a daughter, Alice Butler-Smith and her husband Chris, Lawrence; two sisters, Margaret Ikerd, Newton; and Ruth Stone, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Adams and Harold Adams; and two sisters, Esther Spangenberg and Lois Lamkins.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Faith Community Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Sandy Kennedy officiating. Burial with military rites by the United States Air Force Honor Guard will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home.
Memorials are requested to Victory Latin American Outreach (VLAO) or Wounded Warrior Project, in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home **
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS, 67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune Aug. 21, 2014