James G Adams

WORCESTER – James G. “Garfield” Adams, 86, of Worcester died Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center after a brief illness. Although known to his family as “James”, most of his friends know him as “Garfield”. He never would explain why he gave his middle name to people outside the family instead of his first name. The name was part of his distinctiveness, a trait he developed early. As an elementary school student, he always carried a briefcase to school instead of using a book bag or carrying his books in his hands like his classmates. As an adult, he was known as a fastidious dresser who always drove a Cadillac. Dressing well came naturally to him both because his older brothers dressed well and because he trained to be a tailor in school. His first career was as a tailor but he eventually pursued a number of other jobs. He was a security guard for many years at Worcester City Hall before retiring. Not content with retirement, he worked as a security guard at a city bank and at Worcester Art Museum into his early 80s. Mr. Adams was a quiet, generous and unassuming man. He could sit in a group for hours hardly ever saying a word but he was friendly and knew everything that was going on. He was well known around the city. Two of his proudest moments were being named an honorary member of Worcester Elks Lodge #173 and being named the “Best Dressed Male” at the organization’s 2001 Valentine’s Day party. He was also a member of John Street Baptist Church. Born in Sterling, Mass., he was the second youngest of 14 children born to Walter and Ethel M. (Ooten) Adams. When he was very young, the family moved to Worcester where he attended school and lived until his death.  He is survived by a son, Michael J. Adams and a daughter, Stacey M. Adams of Worcester. His wife, Patricia A. (Hall) Adams, died in 2000 after 40 years of marriage. He also leaves a brother, Donald F. Adams of Pawtucket, R.I.; more than 20 nieces, nephews and extended family members; and many friends. Brothers John, Walter, Charles, David, Marshall and Joseph; and sisters Emilie, Ethel, Ann, Pauline, Etta and Ada all pre-deceased him. A calling hour from 11 a.m. to noon and funeral services from noon to 1 p.m. will be held Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.