February 10, 2012
Captain James H. Adams, 70. On the 10th of February, 2012 James H. Adams made his transition to his new life.
The son of the late George O. “Ozzie” and Gertrude E. (Datcheg) Adams, Jim grew up in Ocean City, New Jersey where he enjoyed basketball, hunting, fishing and anything to do with boats while growing up near the bay. He became an expert snow skier and worked on the professional ski patrol at Sugarbush Mountain in Vermont. He loved basketball and during March Madness you couldn’t get him away from the television.
After graduating from Ocean City High School he went on to become a Pilot with the Delaware River and Bay Pilots Association. He navigated ships from all around the world, including supertankers and containerships from the entrance of the Delaware Bay to Philadelphia; and through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. One of his greatest accomplishments was the overseeing of the designing of the “Delaware Class Pilot Boat” which is still built locally and widely used by other Pilot Associations around the globe.
As a pilot he met seaman from all around the world. He had a passion for meeting people from different countries and always said something to make them proud of their homeland. He had an impact on many lives of those in the maritime industry and the boating world, including his brother who became a Captain and Pilot for a national oil transportation company; and his son Christopher, whom has competed in the single handed Bermuda Race and is highly respected for his sailing and marine skills.
Jim was also a sailor and ended up living in Newport and Jamestown, Rhode Island. He was known by his fellow pilots and boating friends simply as “Jimbo”. Jimbo was friends with many of the world renowned sailboat racers and loved it when they would stop by and visit. His own sailing adventures took him everywhere from Maine to the Caribbean. During his last years he grew especially fond of the people and waters of Maine. He was a member of the Newport Yacht Club and spent his last season locally enjoying taking friends out for day cruises.
Captain James H. Adams is survived by his brother, Rich Adams (Wife Sue and their children, Rick and Liz), son Christopher (and his mother Val), two cousins, Dr. Thomas Adams (wife Ruth) and Robert Adams (wife Chris). He is also survived by his closest friends, Chris Tanner, Kidney cousin Captain Linda Morgan and Ivone Martins. JIMBO will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11am in The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Seamen’s Church Institute, 18 Market Square, Newport, RI 02840 will be appreciated.
