James Adams
Date of Passing:
James Adams, 78, of Boynton Beach, FL died May 16, 2025.
Born in Providence, a son of the late John E. Adams and Thelma (Lumbert) Adams, he lived in Florida for the past 10 years, previously residing in East Providence and Barrington.
Jim was a devoted husband to Holly (Sincero) Adams, his wife of 51 years and a proud father to daughters Julie Montalbano and Kelly Adams. He especially cherished his role as “Papa” to his granddaughter, Jennifer Adams, with whom he shared a special bond – most memorably while restoring a 1950 Plymouth together for her school project. He is also survived by his constant and loyal companion, Coco the dog.
Jim proudly served in the US Navy as a flight mechanic keeping Navy pilots flying safely all over Europe. It was in Italy where Jim gained his love of Italian opera and mastered the Italian language.
He began his career teaching auto mechanics at the Rhode Island Trade Shop School before becoming a professor at New England Institute of Technology. It was there where Jim really shined as a mentor to so many students. An innovator – founding a solar/electric car program over 30 years ago, long before its time. He had a lifelong passion for cars and was often seen driving around the East Bay in his 1957 BMW Isetta.
His love for the water was equally strong. He served over a decade as a part-time Assistant Harbormaster in Barrington and was a proud volunteer boat captain for WaterFire Providence for 27 years.
A man of many interests, Jim enjoyed cruising with his close group of travel friends, maintaining and showing his two antique cars and spending time on the water. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, dry sense of humor and unwavering loyalty to the people and passions he loved most.
Jim was also the brother of the late John Adams and survived by his sisters Kathy Laber, Mary Laber, Barbara Tuttle and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025 in the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Waterfire Providence, 475 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02908 or waterfire.org/donate, would be greatly appreciated.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Jim was one of the first captain I worked with when I first joined WaterFire.We traveled the Moshassuck River in the original Athena, and of course he entertained the crew with many a story
As WaterFire grew that portioned was closed, but I continued to work with Jim on many boats, many fires, and of course heard many stories.
Jim was one of the early volunteers, and I will continue to think of him at every fire
Not only did he charm us with his tales, but he shared the love he had for his family. So sorry for you loss
Holly, Julie, Kelly and Jennifer, my condolences to you and your family. My heart is hurting for you all. Such an amazing man. Mr.Adams was a great father figure for me and has left many good memories of our time together. I am so sorry for your loss. May you hearts have peace and comfort during this time of grief. Love you and God Bless
Such sad news! Jim deeply loved his
family and we are so sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences and sympathy.
We will miss Jim, his smile, his chuckle, and his wacky jokes for every situation. But amidst the jokes he was always working hard as First Mate for us all.
When a problem arose he would come right up with a great solution on the back of an envelope. When he discovered we didn’t have the right obscure tool on site, he would shake his head, crumple up his drawing and get started right away on Plan B. And then have the darn thing working again.
I am sure he has already found something upstairs right now that he is in the midst of fixing.
Jim loved WaterFire and we all loved him! His humor was so dry you could light the bonfires with it.
Jim was full of stories of an extraordinary life well lived and he clearly loved sharing them.
So in Jim’s honor I am going to share one as he told it to me. ( When Jim starts a story you better be sitting down.)
We were at Waterfire in 2018 at the first WaterFire after we lost Aretha Franklin and we honored her by playing her magnificent version of “Nesun Dorma” when she had to unexpectedly replace Luciano Pavarotti at the very last second at the 1998 Grammy Awards. Jim, who loved opera, was as enthralled as we all were as her voice filled the air.
We savored the silence as Aretha’s voice faded over the water when Jim turned to me and said: “Did I ever tell you when I went out on a date with Aretha Franklin?”
He had my attention.
Jim was stationed in Italy. Aretha was doing regular USO tours with the soldiers in Vietnam and in 1971 she extended her USO tour to Italy.
Aretha had a break in her schedule and wanted to go to the Opera at La Scala. The Air Force said “Yes, Mame!”
But she needed an escort for the trip.
Always prepared to do the hard work and take on the really difficult tasks, Jim volunteered and accompanied her on the trip to Milan and drove her to La Scala. Aretha insisted he join her for the opera!
But that was just the overture! Aretha insisted Jim drive as they then went from bar to bar until dawn where Aretha sang in every bar that had a piano to free drinks, wild applause and standing ovations.
Jim drove her safely back to the airbase as the sun rose while she slept peacefully in the backseat.
Now that is what I call a memorable date..
Jim, We wish you fair winds and following seas. You will forever be in our hearts and a captain in our fleet as we navigate the fires of Providence.
We promise to steer clear of those alligators too.
Both my mother (Yvette Poore) and I are sending prayers and love. May you all find peace in knowing what a full, content and complete life Jim lived.
Sorry for your loss
Jim and I were friends in the 60s and 70s he was a fun guy and will be missed
Holly, Kelly and Julie, I have wonderful memories of our friendship and meeting each other on our cruise. May God bless you at this time With my love and sympathy
Holly , we are deeply sorry for your loss my condolences to you abd your entire family. May he rest in peace 🙏 Gabe & Kathy
Holly, Julie, Kelly and Jen
May you find peace in the many memories you have of Jim.
Roz and Bob
So sorry for your loss…i am
So going to miss him.
He made my day every time we were together ❤️
To my dear friend and her wonderful family and sweet Coco. I am so grateful to have both you and Jim in my life for the last ten years. Jim was always willing to help everyone and what a sense a humor. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
Hoping the legacy of love your husband and father left you will be a source of strength and comfort for all of you now.
Love 💕
Susan
Holly, Julie and Kelly,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear HollyJulie, Kelly, Jen,
What a wonderful friend and travel companion!
So many memories from Benson Avenue, Rumford, Barrington and Florida !
His sense of humor and dry wit we will always remember with a good laugh
He has left a huge void in the many lives he touched!
Fly high and free now Jimmy
Just an absolute true friend forever
Love and strength to you all
Jim and Ellen
Jim was a fun filled character and an important member of the Barrington Harbor Patrol. He was a good friend and an important source of technical marine information that kept things running.
Jim always kept in touch even when away in Florida and after I resigned as Harbormaster.
He will be missed.