Richard “Dick” Adams, 94, died surrounded by family on December 21, 2023. He was born January 27th
,
1929 in Oxnard, California, and was a lifelong resident of Ojai (Meiners Oaks.) It is safe to say if you
didn’t know who he was or at least seen him around-- You probably haven’t been in Ojai very long. He
lived 94 years to the fullest and never met a stranger. He was an advocate for supporting small
businesses and local restaurants, and never got too far from a pot of coffee.
He was the only son of Claudia Ahlf (Jordan) and James Monroe Adams; Stepson of Doug Jordan. He
graduated from Nordhoff Union High School in 1947, enlisted in the USAF two years later- and was a
veteran of the Korean Conflict. On Christmas day in 1952 he was gifted the hand of Verna “Joy” Davis in
marriage, whom he doted on for the next 71 years. The two were blessed with three children- Susan
Adams (McTague), Farley Adams, and Kimberly Adams (Fullenwider.)
Richard was a staunch union supporter and 70 year member of the IBEW. Though he was in his 90’s, the
Journeyman Cable Splicer/Power Lineman continued to pay union dues to his local 952 in Ventura as a
symbol of his solidarity. He discovered his trade while stationed in Korea, in the 5th USAF 5th
Communications Group, 934th Sig Btn., and loved to put on his hooks and climb.
He was a champion of high school vocational programs and served multiple terms on the OUSD school
board. He was honored as the Grand Marshall of Ojai’s Independence Day parade three times as a
result. He also was one of several blue-collar volunteers who constructed the Ojai Valley Community
Stadium at Nordhoff. The stadium lights, still in operation, were built in his driveway in the 1970s.
Richard loved travelling, tinkering, our community, and all things mechanical. He loved to share his toys
and knowledge with anyone who showed interest. He was a member of the Topa Topa Fly-Wheelers
tractor club, and actively flew his airplane out of the Santa Paula Airport up until his 90th year. He was a
volunteer pilot for the Young Eagles youth flight program, allowing several children of Ventura County
the opportunity to explore the world of aviation. He also loved to water ski and did so at 80 years old,
just for the novelty of saying he did.
His contributions to others and this community are too lengthy to be limited to the margins of this
paper. However, if you were to ask him—his greatest accomplishment in life was to be able to share
time with his nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, “Joy” Adams; Susan Adams McTague, Rick McTague, Tracy Giddings Adams,
Kimberly Adams Fullenwider, and Robert Fullenwider; Brice McTague, Nick McTague, Haley Tomley,
Lauren Staben, Bud Adams, Trevor Adams, Cody Fullenwider, and Casey Hamilton; Madison McTague,
Moriah McTague, Tyler McTague, Turner McTague, Autumn Tomley, Sage Tomley, Delaney Staben, C.J.
Adams, Emma Adams, Jackson Fullenwider, Charlee Hamilton, and Dixie Hamiton.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved son Farley Adams and grandson Garrett Adams.
A celebration of Richard’s life is to be held on what would have been his 95th birthday, on January 27th
,
2024. It will be held at the American Legion post 482 located at 843 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai at 1 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.