Julius Adams

Julius Adams was an amazing man, a man of such great character, compassion, and most of all, charisma. He was a proud veteran, and a hardworking husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Most of all, Julius possessed a powerful personality, a natural magnetism, which made him an incredible salesman, and an even better friend.

Julius' story began on a cool spring day in 1921, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, the dawn of the Roaring 20s, when Prohibition was the law of the land. There was much to celebrate in 1921, especially for the young immigrant couple of John and Belle Adams, who celebrated the birth of their only child on March 27, a baby son they named Julius.

John was from Lithuania originally, Belle from Russia, and they arrived in Grand Rapids shortly before welcoming their baby boy, and changed their surname from Adamites to Adams. The young family settled on the city's West side, and opened their own tavern on Hamilton Street, a place called Our Tavern, which is still in business today (under different ownership).

Young Julius grew up in a devoutly Catholic home, and attended Sts. Peter and Paul School, as well as Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, a Lithuanian Parish, where his parents were very active. Eventually Julius attended Grand Rapids Union High School.

During high school Julius earned extra income for his family by working at a gas station, before finding a job at Haskelite Company, a local manufacturer. He continued there after he graduated from Union in 1939, though the great conflict of World War II would interrupt his career with the company.

When the war thundered upon our shores in 1941, Julius ran out and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the sea plane tender The Humbolt. The Humbolt was credited with helping capture the German sub U505, a major Naval victory which was key to decoding Axis transmissions, as well as learning other U-boat locations around the globe. The sub is on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago today.

When Julius was discharged from the service as a Chief Petty Officer, he returned to Grand Rapids, and returned to the life he led before the war. He went back to work at Haskelite, and also resumed a romance he began with a beautiful young woman named Margaret Baker. He had met Margaret through a mutual friend, and they dated on and off for awhile before he'd left for the Navy. Once reunited, their love affair bloomed, and they were married in Grand Rapids on October 9, 1948, beginning a wonderful life together.

The newlyweds started out living with Julius' mother above the tavern, and on the weekends he returned home from his sales job to help at the tavern, too.

Eventually the young couple moved to a home on Powers NW, and later sold that house and moved right next door, which would be a special place for them. There they welcomed all five of their children, Mike, Cathy, Mary, John and Amy. Just after Amy rounded out the happy family, they moved to a beautiful home on Sligh Blvd NE, where they lived the rest of their lives.

The family did much together when the children were young, especially camping. Julius loved to hunt and fish, and took the camping trips as a chance to teach his kids about fishing and the great outdoors. And as busy as he was, he always tried to be there for them at all their many school activities over the years.

Julius provided for his family wonderfully through his sales job. He was a born salesman, with so much charm and charisma, and easily related to people. It was always said Julius could sell snow to Eskimos! Haskelite made parts for the auto industry, and his job took Julius around to all the plants in the U.S. and even South America. His company changed hands and changed names through the years, becoming Evans Products Company and later Evans Tempcon, but Julius remained a steady, reliable salesman, always presenting himself professionally. He was as beloved inside the office as he was on the road, too, and after he retired in the mid-80s, he kept a desk at the office to stop in and check in on everyone.

Julius enjoyed a wonderful retirement, a retirement he richly deserved. He and Margaret did a lot of traveling, seeing so many beautiful places. They traveled extensively in the U.S., including Hawaii, went to Europe and Rome, saw much of Scandinavia, and visited every island in the Caribbean! Julius loved to travel and was always ready and willing for a new adventure.

Julius was also a huge auto racing fan, particularly NASCAR, and attended many races, as well as the Indianapolis 500. He had many other things he enjoyed over the years, from eating at Red Lobster (always his favorite), staying in touch with old friends and fellow vets, playing cards, to playing practical jokes on his family and friends.

Julius' best friend was a lifelong buddy named Al Renus, who went to school with him. They were so close, the kids all called him "Uncle Al," and he was truly a part of the family until he died a few years ago. It was hard for Julius, who also sadly lost his son John in 1997, which was the hardest moment of his life. He persevered through the love of his family and his faith in the Lord.

Julius was a devout, lifelong Catholic, and was active in many different churches over the years, from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish as a child, to later St. Adalbert's Parish, St. Jude Church and finally Blessed Sacrament Church. Wherever they worshiped, Julius loyally served as an usher or a greeter.

Most of all, Julius loved his family, of course, especially his beloved grandchildren. He loved to have them over to his house and watch them play in his pool or help them feed the birds in his yard. Those were his most prized times, in a life so full of wonderful memories.

Sadly, Julius died Saturday, April 7, 2007, after complications from knee surgery, at the age of 86.

Julies was a remarkable man, who led such a remarkable life, a life full of family and fond memories. He was a proud veteran, devoted, loving family man, and a faithful friend. Most of all, Julius was a born salesman, whose charm, honesty and integrity lives on in his loving family's memory today. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his son John Adams. Surviving are his wife, of 58 years, Margaret (Peg) Adams, his children: Jules (Mike) and Colleen Adams, Catherine and Tom Hendricks, Mary Walker, Amy and Richard Paas; his grandchildren: Brian Hendricks and fiancée Jennifer Coleman, Sarah Hendricks, Christopher Adams, Amanda Adams, Nichole Adams, Deanna Walker, Kayla Walker, Jessica Paas, Kaitlyn Paas; his great grandson Kyle Roggow. He also be missed by his favorite pet cat, Bootsie. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 11 A.M. at Blessed Sacrament Church 2275 Diamond N.E. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Mr. Adams reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien - Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. where relatives and friends may meet his family Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. and where the Rosary will be recited Wednesday at 7:30 P.M. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Gilda's Club or Hospice of Michigan would be appreciated. To read more of Mr. Adams's life, share a memory or photo or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.