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Along the way we are blessed to meet some very special people. People who make a difference. In my life one of those people was Jim Adams.
Several years ago Jim approached me with some ideas regarding our association. Jim was not shy with his opinions! I knew from his e-mails that Jim was unusual. Every issue he raised was real, and he offered solutions along with expressing his concerns. His leadership skills were very evident!
My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Jim and his lovely wife Bonnie at their home on Sand Pond. Jim gave us a tour of his remarkable workshop and his beautiful creations. At the time he had a special project, builing a mural for another of his passions, the Monmouth Museum. That mural is located along the road at the museum. Please check it out if you are in the center of Monmouth.
I told Jim of my fascination with military history. He told me of his service as Marine in the Korean War. He landed at Inchon, one of the most difficult invasions in history. Jim's passion and love for his country were quite evident. He was proud of his service, but modest about it as well.
Jim's love for our lakes was equally evident. Loons were a passion, not only in his art but in tracking their arrival in the spring and counting for the Audubon Society. I could always count on an e-mail from Jim keeping me appraised of the winter weather and ice out.
This spring I called Jim to ask him if he would be willing to serve on our board. It was at that time he gave me the sad news of his illness. He had not mentioned it in our e-mail discussions. That was Jim. He was positive, upbeat and looking ahead. Having experience with his illness in my own family I knew that he had a tough battle ahead. If he had any pain or fear he would not say. That is the way of a Marine.
Jim passed on September 24, 2010. Tacoma Lakes has lost a friend. I will miss his e-mail and his constant brainstorming. Somehow I think he is still watching over the lakes that he loved. Semper Fi, Jim.
Buddy Potts
TLIS Secretary/Treasurer
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| Jim Adams. July 11, 2009 |
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