James "Hoover" Kent Adams

James (Hoover) Kent Adams, age 94, departed this life on February 16, 2023. Hoover was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland to Roxy (Teague) and Luda Adams, on August 27, 1928. His parents intended to name him after the president, Herbert Hoover Adams, but his sister who completed the birth certificate had other ideas. He grew up and attended school in the Havre de Grace and Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania area. Hoover learned his official name, James Kent Adams, when he joined the Army in 1951. He served in Korea as a paratrooper during the height of the war and earned three silver stars, one for each tour of combat duty. During the last years of his life, he recalled the men he served with, who did not return home with him. He carried their stories and memories with him. He never forgot. He returned home in 1953 and was introduced to the love of his life, Margaret (Greer), by her brother Ott Greer, Hoover’s army buddy. Later that year, Hoover and Mag “ran away” to Elkton, Maryland, to marry and then started their family. During the early years of their marriage, they drove across the country to Coos Bay, Oregon, where they settled for a couple of years before returning to the Newark, Delaware area to raise their four children. Here, Hoover worked at Crown Zellerbach until his retirement in 1995. After retiring, he began taking daily walks around Newark. He would walk a five-mile loop, picking up loose change along the way. He then donated all the change he collected over the years. Hoover loved walking outside. He also enjoyed taking his wife out to lunch. Staff at their regular lunch spots knew their orders before they even sat down. Hoover enjoyed playing cards, old westerns, watching the New York Yankees play, and chocolate milkshakes. He was stoic and quiet, though after retirement, he softened and seemed at ease. His laugh was always joyful and infectious. He was especially entertained by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He liked to tease and joke with the kids. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting on the porch or back deck, enjoying the outdoors. Hoover was very proud of his children and modeled a strong work ethic and commitment to family that is still apparent in them today. Over the years, he and his wife opened their home to extended family and hosted many holiday gatherings. Hoover loved walking outside and it was especially hard when his health did not allow him to continue his walks. It brings his family great peace to think of his freedom to walk now in another realm with those who left before him. In the words of his oldest son, “he sure got his money’s worth out of life.” He lived until 94 and was still bringing joy to those who cared for him at Elkton Nursing Home. The family is grateful to the staff who showed him love and gave him grace in his final years. Hoover was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret; his daughter Kelly Adams; his grandson Jeffery Stewart; his daughter-in-law Mary Adams; his parents; and his siblings Paul, Clay, Furch, Barbara, Versus, Georgia, Jean, and Myrtle. He is survived by his son Joe Adams and his wife Eve; his daughter Kim Stewart; his son Jeff Adams; ten grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. The service and burial will be private. To send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

James "Hoover" Kent Adams

August 27, 1928 - February 16, 2023

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