James Walter Adams, 87, a nationally recognized Pharmacist, of Vero Beach, Florida, entered eternal rest on Friday, June 15, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bella Bouhuys Adams; his son Jim (Cheryl) of Virginia Beach, VA; his son Gary(Cindy) of Clarksville, TN; daughter Kim Cort (Mike) of Peachtree City, GA; and daughter Alice Gaye Williams (Lin )of Georgetown, SC; nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Jim was born on 09 February, 1925, to the late James P and Mildred C Adams, in Asheville, NC. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after attending Clemson University for one year during the early stages of World War II. He was a radio operator in the Corps. After his military service, he graduated from the University of Colorado with a Pharmacy degree. He worked at his father’s pharmacy, Adams Blauvelt Pharmacy, in Asheville, and in the late 50’s opened up his own store, Adams Professional Pharmacy, in the Doctor’s Building in Asheville. In 1982, he sold his Pharmacy to MediSave Pharmacy and moved to Vero Beach. For the next 22 years he was a part time resident of Asheville and Clarksville, TN.
Jim also served as the Chief of Pharmacy at Aston Park Hospital in Asheville and worked at the Indian River Memorial Hospital in Vero Beach. He was a member of the American College of Apothecaries, a member of the International Board of Diplomats in Pharmacy, and on the staff of nine nursing homes in Buncombe County and the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center in Black Mountain, NC. He was a proctor for UNC and other college Pharmacy Students, and helped to pioneer drug treatment programs for addicts.
Jim was a lifelong member of Rotary in Asheville and Vero Beach, and was a 4 time Paul Harris Fellow. He made five pharmacy missions to Panama to inoculate children from childhood diseases with the Rotary Foundation. He was a member of several Power Squadrons, a Mason and Shriner, a Scoutmaster, and a member of the Vero Beach and Clarksville, TN Country Clubs.
He desired a private service in Asheville and the mountains of Western North Carolina. The family wants to thank Dr. Atamer and Dr. Ahmed, the VA hospital in West Palm Beach, and the staff and hospice workers at “The Place” for their unwavering support during his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Rotary Foundation, the Alzheimer Association, or to First Baptist Church of St. Bethlehem Men’s Ministry, 2232 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37040.