J Q Adams

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, our family and friends who became family lost an absolute legend. J.Q. (Jake/Dad/Papaw) Adams passed away at 85-years-old. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who crossed his path. Lover of all Cleveland sports (for better or worse), NASCAR, and all things University of Alabama. In Jake’s world, there were no strangers - only those who he thought should be a new friend, or, at least, a new listener to one of his many stories. 

He was born in 1939 to Estelle Adams and Henry Holloway in Fayette, Alabama where he lived until they moved to Akron, Ohio, during the rubber boom. It was there he met the love of his life, Dorothy (Dottie) Freeman. They fell in love in Akron as only true Akronites can - on a first date at Swensons where he spilled a milkshake on his future bride. They married in 1957 and had three children. His career was largely spent as a truck driver where he was able to provide an incredible life for his family. Nothing brought him greater professional pride than his time serving as a union officer for the Teamsters Local 24. He served as trustee, business agent, and later as union president. For many years, he ran a softball league for union members, something that brought him great joy. Union proud until the day he died, he believed in fair rights and workplace practices for all people.

After retirement, he spent countless hours volunteering his time with the All-American Soap Box Derby. He loved playing driver and friend to all who visited Akron every year for the races. He was a staunch Democrat who stayed actively involved in the campaigns of local politicians throughout his career and for a bit of time post-retirement. He got an incredible kick out of home visits he had continued to receive from elected officials who listened to stories of days gone by, while taking in his counsel - even when they didn’t ask. Politics is a fickle beast but he was very fortunate to have kept incredible friends. Thank you for entertaining his stories (you know who you are). 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy (Freeman) Adams, his children Kathy (Patrick) Crawford, Jake Adams, Bub (Kathy) Adams, and bonus daughter Debby Adams. He was immersed in love, joy, and pride by many in-laws, his beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

All who came to visit were made to feel like they were right at home. And we were. For Jake, any visit was never long enough. Whether you were there for four hours or four days, he would send you off by saying, “you don’t have to rush off.” Always, always he would tell you how much he loved you. There was never a question that he meant it with everything he had. 

Everyone who knew Jake knows that he loved to tell stories and especially about himself. In the biggest plot twist of all time, it was his wish that there be no celebration of life. No chance for the rest of us to finally tell stories about him. Cremation has already taken place. (We are as baffled as you are.)

 Sweet Papaw, you sure didn’t have to rush off. It will take a thousand lifetimes to get over losing you. Thank you for loving us so fiercely. You were loved beyond measure. Roll Tide, big guy!