James Edward Adam
June 17, 1959 - December 21, 2020 San Juan Bautista, CA
On December 21, surrounded by family, Jim Adam passed away after a three-year battle with Melanoma. As the day when darkness gives way to light, Winter Solstice was a fitting symbol for Jim, who always inspired those around him to “Live in the Light.”
Born in Topeka, Kansas, Jim traveled all of his life. He called Del Rio, TX; Sacramento, CA; Oahu, HA; and Zurich, Switzerland home, eventually settling in Palo Alto, CA, then San Juan Bautista, CA.
In 1978, at age 19, Jim met the love of his life, Tami. With his trademark confidence and passion, Jim knew at first sight that she would be the mother of his children. Jim married Tami on August 13, 1983, and they began their family. Jim’s biggest passion was his family, and he was enormously proud of each and every one of them.
Jim had many friends that were dear to his heart. His first and best friends were his siblings, but Jim never took for granted the close friendships that he cultivated over a lifetime. He cherished the memories of their escapades together which brought him endless joy and laughter.
Jim worked in construction for over 44 years. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his first business, Adam Paving. The lessons he learned there served him well when he eventually became the President and owner of CalVac Paving. As a lifelong learner, completed his AA in business well into an already successful career. More recently, Jim completed extensive training and was the first in his field to become a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) in order to ensure access for individuals with disabilities. He cared deeply for his stakeholders and was committed to supporting and mentoring his employees to reach their goals and full potential.
Jim was also passionate about his community. He coached AYSO, CYSA, and YMCA teams, volunteered for the PTA and PTSA, and supported organizations like Mission San Juan Bautista Preservation Fund, Troops Direct, DreamPower Horsemanship, Rotary of SJB, and the Faith Fight Finish Foundation. He also supported the yearly philanthropic efforts of ACREM, BOMA, and CityTeam, including Share Your Holidays. From building local play structures, to installing the first internet connection at Santa Rita Elementary, Jim always stepped up. His spirituality ran deep and Jim loved being a Lector for the Mission at San Juan Bautista.
Jim had a slew of other passions: traveling, building, fishing, hunting, horsemanship, ranching, wine and viticulture, bourbon and brewing, cooking, football, golf, soccer, and of course humor. He loved to create, play, coach and compete.
Jim is deeply missed and survived by his wife Tamara Dawn Adam; his children Danielle Elizabeth and Steven Daniel Tuhy, Fletcher Goddard Adam, Joseph Louis Adam; his grandchildren Danika Katherine, Jocelyn Joy, and Louis Steven Tuhy; his mother Betty Adam; his siblings Peter and Donna Adam, Katherine Darville, Nancy and Vincent Titone, Richard and Linda Adam, Daniel Adam, Kim and Brian Jones, Mylie Greenbach, and Dan Greenbach; as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, his Aunt Gloria Kennett and his wonderful cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Louis Adam, in laws Joseph and Betty Greenbach, and siblings Michael Adam, Annette Adam, and Jeffrey Greenbach.
The Adam family will hold a private Catholic Mass in Jim’s honor and encourages anyone interested to join them virtually. They will invite everyone to a Celebration of Life once we can safely gather in groups again. Please follow Jim’s CaringBridge website for further information.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Jim’s most loved charities: Mission San Juan Bautista Preservatioin Fund, Troops Direct, Faith Fight Finish Foundation, or DreamPower Horsemanship.