Adams, Edward John

Edward John Adams, 83, of Iowa City, died March 21, 2010, at Windmill Manor in Coralville. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, April 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Edward's memory to Iowa City Hospice or the Crisis Center. 

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayand

ciha.com

Edward John Adams was born Feb. 9, 1927, in Marion, Iowa, the son of John C. and Zelda (Kirkpatrick) Adams. He graduated in 1944 as class valedictorian from Walker (Iowa) High School. Ed enlisted in the Army during World War II and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. After being discharged in 1946, Ed returned to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa. He married Jennie Irene McGradoy of Woodbine, Iowa in 1949 and they had a daughter, Helen, born in 1952. After receiving his master's degree in speech pathology and special education in 1953 he taught for a year in Ottumwa. Returning to Iowa City, he became personnel director of the Eldon Miller Trucking Co. When the company moved to Omaha, Ed became a carpenter and eventually owned his own company, Adams Building Co. After Jennie died in 2000, he became a dedicated volunteer, giving his time to Greenwood Manor Nursing Home, Meals on Wheels, the Free Medical Clinic and the Crisis Center. 

In 2001, Heritage Agency on Aging awarded him the Outstanding Resident Advocate Award for the seven county region. In 2002, he received a Certificate of Appreciation in honor of his volunteer hours at the Crisis Center. He was also presented the State of Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award for outstanding service to the State of Iowa in 2001.

Ed was a very special man. His kindness, intelligence, and generosity touched everyone he met. His greatest joy was his family: daughter, Helen; grandchildren, Jason (Megan) Hieronymus, Rachel (Steve) Ayers and Brooke (Tim) Ruxton; his great-grandchildren, Sabin and Cymry Hieronymus, Riona Ayers and twins Quinn and Shea Ruxton; sister, Evelyn (John) Hilton of Texas; and nephew, Jeff (Loretta) Johnson of New Mexico.

In his lifetime Ed touched many hearts. He will be deeply missed.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Ed's family and his services.