Thomas William Adams Sr., November 29, 1941, to August 20, 2024
Thomas William Adams Sr. was born on November 29, 1941, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to George and Maude Adams. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. When he was in fifth grade, the family moved to Crescent City, California, which he called home for the remainder of his life. He was a 1960 graduate of Del Norte High School, where he was an outstanding track athlete. He also played football and basketball. He married his wife of 64 years, Ellen McKay, on May 31 of that year.
Shortly after graduating high school, he began what would be his lifelong career as a commercial fisherman. He owned and operated the fishing boats Bristol, Miss Heather, and Outlaw that he used to harvest crab, shrimp, and bottom fish all up and down the west coast and in Alaska for many years. After he stepped off the boat he continued in the seafood industry for several more years as a fish buyer.
He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and devoted Christian who found strength in his faith. His passions in life were spending time with family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, classic cars, and open-wheel dirt track racing.
He passed away after a short Illness on August 20, 2024, at his home in Crescent City, California, surrounded by his family at the age of eighty-two.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen Adams of Crescent City CA, Sisters, Georgia Marshall of Crescent City CA., and Francis Lexutt of Colorado. Sons Thomas Adams Jr. (Staci) of Cottonwood CA and Robert Adams (Sherry) ofRedding CA, Daughter Ellen Smith (Tom) of Redding. Grandchildren Randi Vess (Ben) ofRedding, Taylor Smith (Blake) of Smith River CA, Shelby Adams of Cottonwood CA, Joesph Smith of Redding CA, and Trace Adams of Cottonwood CA. Great grandchildren Aaliyah, Evan, Naiya, Owen, Naomi, Toren and Walker, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Maude Adams of Crescent City CA, sisters Betty Mershon of Seattle WA, and Marge Smith of Grants Pass OR, and brothers John Motter of Colorado and Duane Adams of Crescent City CA.
No services are planned at this time.