Obituary of Edward John Adams

Edward John Adams, 83, of Iowa City died March 21, 2010 at Windmill Manor in Coralville. A gathering of family and friends will be on Saturday, April 3, 2010, 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 @ www.gayandciha.com. Edward John Adams was born February 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 WWII and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. 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 Masters Degree in Speech Pathology and Special Education in 1953, he taught for a year in Ottumwa, IA. Returning to Iowa City, he became Personnel Director of the Eldon Miller Trucking Company. When the company moved to Omaha, Ed became a carpenter and eventually owned his own company, Adams Building Company. 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, the 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.