In loving memory of John Albert Adams - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Albert Adams, 86, of Ormond Beach on February 9, 2025.

Born in Cortland, NY, on May 20, 1938, John was the youngest of ten siblings. He grew up in a duplex on Clinton Avenue and his entire life shared amazing stories of the adventures he had growing up in a small town. He served his country as a member of the United States National Guard, returning home to attend Alfred State University, where he earned his Associate Degree in Accounting.

In his early days, John helped on a coal truck with his father and siblings. Then worked at Smith-Corona, before beginning his 24-year career at Overhead Door Company in Binghamton, NY. John was a fantastic manager, alongside his wife Shirley, who served as office manager. He earned numerous awards for top sales and even started his fastener business with his neighbor, Don Scrip. Overhead Door was more than a job; it was his family. He threw numerous clam bakes, Christmas parties, and celebrations, always taking care of those who helped him in his success. Years after his retirement, John and Shirley still enjoyed time with friends and family they met through Overhead Door. During his tenure at Overhead Door, John believed strongly in giving back to his community, serving as the President of the Nimmonsburg Rotary from1983-1984.

John’s greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Angel. She had her father’s entrepreneurial spirit, buying a photography studio in Gainesville, FL, in 2004. John drove to Gainesville monthly to help with the books and explain profit and loss sheets. When he stopped being able to make the drive, he requested her to share her number so he could help her analyze ways to make her company more profitable. He always encouraged her to follow her dreams.

John was a sports fanatic! He loved his Red Sox, protesting they’d win the World Series at the beginning of each season. A NASCAR fan his entire life, he loved the Bodine brothers and enjoyed years of racing after his retirement with close friends and family. He loved his Syracuse basketball and football, traveling around the country to see them play in various tournaments or bowl games. He was an avid golfer and sponsor of the BC Open in the 80s, when he and Shirley met all the golf greats in the beer tent after the 18th. John also held season tickets to the Broome County Dusters/Binghamton Whalers, where you could be sure to hear him yell, “drop the puck, pinhead” several times a game with fellow fans.

John had a love for music. From the Eagles to Ruby Shooz he appreciated every genre. A party at John & Shirley’s always included the CD player spinning tunes by the pool for hours as everyone enjoyed a few beers.

After Shirley’s passing in March of 2024, John spent his remaining time with his step-son Richard. They enjoyed movies, football, and especially NASCAR.

John is survived by his loving daughter, Angel Adams (Brian Murphy) of Lantana, FL, his loving stepson Richard Campbell of Daytona Beach, FL, and several nieces.

March 22, 2025 at 11am John will be interned at Grace Lutheran Church’s Garden of the Resurrection 338 Ocean Shore Blvd. Ormond Beach, FL 32176. We will hold a Celebration of Life in John & Shirley’s home at 480 Jeanette Dr. Ormond Beach, FL 32174.