James Wade Adams III

James Wade Adams III, 90, passed away on February 1, 2026, at Christus Mother Francis in Tyler, TX. Services will be Saturday, February 7th at 11:30 am in Rusk at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Lee Flowers officiating. Burial will follow at Cushing Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
JW was born in Houston, TX to James and Mildred Adams on August 25, 1935. He grew up in Houston where he graduated from Galena Park High School in 1954. JW served as a machinist in the Navy from 1954-1958 and was honorably discharged after being stationed in Guam and San Diego. He met the woman of his dreams, LaJuan Crawford, and married her on June 20, 1959. 
Initially, he worked at Southwest Oilfield Products and later transitioned to Denka Chemical Company in 1969. He worked part time at Pasco Instrument Company where he later became owner in 1984 after Frank Coburn left him the company following his death. He retired from Dooley Tachberry after 26 years of service in Fire and Safety at 72 years old. 
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 53 years. He was a skilled fisherman and an expert gardener. He had a love of music, playing the dulcimer and clarinet, building instruments, and leading the choir at Clover Leaf Baptist Church. He was a born tinkerer, he could fix anything with a wrench, a prayer and sheer stubbornness. His servant’s heart and love for the Lord made him a pillar at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church where he was a deacon.  
James Adams was preceded in death by his mother and father James and Mildred Adams; his brother John Quincy Adams; nephew John Adams Jr.; and sister DeriaB Adams. 
JW is survived by his wife of 66 years, LaJuan Adams; as well as their daughter Kristi Driver, and husband Jeff Driver; as well as various nephews and nieces.  Pallbearers will be Charlie Cornelius, Mike Traylor, Ab Crockett, Lazarus Metts, Adam Sowest, and Jericho Lewis. Honorary Pall Bearers are Rick White, Luther Oliver, Joe Lewis, and Scott Driver.  
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the building fund of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church at 927 Crockett St Rusk, TX 75785.