Jim Adams

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

James Dale Adams Sr. passed away on January 15, 2024 surrounded by family. He was 56.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1967, he was a lifelong Galena-area resident. A graduate from Riverton High School class of 1986, he joined the Army Reserves during his Junior year. He was a veteran of First Gulf War and served in the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm as a combat medic. 

Following his return to the area, he joined the Roper Auto Group and eventually worked into a management position. For more than two decades, he was part of the Fletcher Auto Group management team. 

Outside of his work, he was a dedicated community servant. A proud member of the Quapaw Nation, he would often volunteer at elders’ events. Jim never met a stranger, and from emceeing Galena Days to being Santa for parades, he had no greater desire than to lift up and serve his community.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Marcia Qualls, and his pop, Neil Qualls.

He is survived by his wife, Kristi Adams, father, Dale Adams (Linda), sisters Julie Barnard (David), Jennifer Thrasher (Bryan), brother Jeff Qualls, and sister Heather Adams-McKinley (Brock), children Jimi Adams (Hannah), Jordan Adams (Keeley), Haylie Headen, Jurnee Adams, and Justice Adams. He loved being Papa Jim to Theodore, Maya, Ellie, Oliver, and Nova.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church in Riverton at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission 22. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.