TERRA ALTA — James “Jim” (Harold) Adams took his place in Heaven on Jan. 7, 2017.

He was born Dec. 7, 1937 in Howard, Kan., son of the late James Homer and Alice Laura (Anderson) Adams.

Jim joined the Air Force in 1957 and was honorably and medically discharged in 1959 after losing his right index finger in Okinawa, Japan.

On May 20, 1961, he married Carolyn Fay Gelvin. To this union, four daughters were born: Angela, Sandra, Ronda and Sharla. He spent most of his life in Lexington, Neb. and worked for Nebraska Public Power District’s Department of Irrigation. After 30 years with the company, Jim retired in 1997 and moved to Superior, Nebraska.

On Aug. 12, 2011, Jim and his “man’s best friend” Bernese Mountain Dog, Brutus, made their way to Terra Alta, W.Va. to live with his daughter Ronda.

His favorite thing to do here was driving the back roads of Preston County, soaking up the scenery and going ramp hunting. He loved the trees and mountains, and constantly made mention that “Mama would have loved it here.”

Jim spent most of 2015 and 2016 in and out of hospitals with emphysema, pneumonia and COPD. He was resting comfortably when he finally succumbed to his illnesses at Preston Memorial Hospital surrounded by several family members.

He is survived by daughters Angela Moody, of Neligh, Neb., Ronda (Billy) Stump, of Terra Alta, and Sharla House, of Neligh; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and extended grandchild Derrick Loughry.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Carolyn; a daughter, Sandra; a great-grandson, Mason James Kramp; brothers Homer “Bud,” Billy and Larry; sisters Jeanette Dorner and Donna Brandenberg; niece Melodee Martinez and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jim will be cremated and laid to rest with the love of his life in Byron, Neb. on May 20, 2017, which would have been their 56th wedding anniversary.

Friends and family will be received at 12 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21 at Whitedale Church of the Brethren in Terra Alta. A luncheon will follow.