John Prentice Adams

John P. Adams, Lt Col (retired), following a brief illness passed away at the age of 83 on January 5, 2026, at his home in Shalimar, Florida, surrounded by family. He was born January 12, 1942, in Port Arthur, Texas, to James Carrol and Johnnie Mauverine (née King) Adams. John and his wife of 63 years, Margaret E. Adams (née Grantham), were raised in Port Arthur. The two first met in kindergarten and crossed paths through their school years. They kindled a romantic connection while attending Lamar College in Beaumont, Texas, and remained steadfast partners and best friends as they built a life together.

After graduating college in 1962, John joined the United States Air Force as an officer. Over the course of his career, he served diverse assignments in Goose Bay, Labrador; Nakhon Phanom, Thailand; Wiesbaden and Ramstein, Germany; and Texas, Alabama, and Florida. During his career he attended the USAF Air War College, attaining a master’s degree. Following an initial assignment in 1978 at Eglin Air Force Base, he took on various roles until retiring in 1991, the longest being Director of Operational Plans. He was known for his effectiveness and efficiency in all roles served; extensive knowledge of Air Force Codes of Conduct; a quick, sarcastic sense of humor; and his love of coffee and M&Ms. 

John enjoyed gardening and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Beloved Paw Paw Adams was also affectionately called Grumpa, a designation that led to a collection of gifted mugs, t-shirts, and knick-knacks. He will be dearly missed by his family.

In addition to his spouse, Margaret, John is survived by his daughter, Lisa Kamolnick (Paul) and sons James (Michelle) and John; grandchildren Alicia Adams, James M. Adams (Kinga), Nick Adams (Emily), Anna Adams, Haley Curtis, and Reagan Adams; great grandsons Eli, Owen, and Lochlan Chunn and great granddaughters Lily and Paisley James Adams; sister Elizabeth Sessions  (Jerry) and brothers Jim (Rory) and David (Lydia) Adams; sister-in-law Cynthia Trahan and brother-in-law David Grantham (Sharon), along with cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Johnnie, grandparents William and Elizabeth (née Wilson) Adams and John Samuel and Henrietta (née Nugent) King; Aunt Dorothy (née King) and Uncle Gene Scott; mother-in-law Margaret E. Roberts (née Barnes) and fathers-in-law Charles L. Grantham and Charles Roberts; sister-in-law Diane Simms; and nephew Jody Erickson.

In keeping with his practical sensibilities, a small, private memorial service for family and friends will be held to honor John’s life and legacy in the near future. The family invites those interested and able to donate to Gentiva Foundation in John’s honor. The family expresses gratitude to the many caregivers with whom John came in contact during his brief illness, with special thanks to the team at Emerald Coast Hospice who helped his journey from mortal life be filled with comfort, love, and peace. Many thanks also to Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.