It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of a remarkable man. James (Jim) Adams - Husband, Father, Papou, Coach, Mentor, Friend - died on August 3, 2026 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife at his side after stoically living with multiple health issues for many years.

Jim was born in Manchester, NH, on April 13, 1947, the eldest son of Ellen (Vaios) and Timothy Adams. Growing up in Manchester Jim attended local schools, graduating from Central High School. He grew up within the Greek community and was always proud of his heritage. He began his further education at Plymouth State College but the Vietnam War intervened. He enlisted in the Army in March of 1968 and served as a cryptanalyst in Okinawa, Japan. Upon his discharge Jim returned to Plymouth and completed his education. After teaching for a year in Vermont, Jim and his family moved to Jaffrey, NH, where he began his 33-year tenure as a math teacher in the Jaffrey- Rindge Cooperative School District, first in the Middle School and then in Conant High School. During this time, Jim impacted many students both as a teacher and as a coach. He coached both middle and high school baseball and basketball. He and his 1985 basketball team brought Conant its first championship. After he stopped coaching, he continued his athletic connections as Conant’s Athletic Director until his retirement.

Jim’s first marriage (Michele Paquette) brought him three children, Lance, Aaron and Maria. He married the love of his life Ann Cassam (Sawyer, Belletete) and her three daughters Sara, Beth and Lisa became part of his family. Together they had their son Nicholas.

During the summers of his teaching years, Jim built houses, including his own two homes. Although he wasn’t a carpenter by trade, his math background, attention to detail and innate skill served him well! In the 1980’s and 1990’s, summers with Ann and Nick were spent at North Woods Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee where Jim was section head and then Director. During those years many campers and councilors benefited from his mentorship. Many became lifelong friends and are considered part of their extended family.

Jim was an eclectic lover of music (although Elvis has always topped his list). Music was always playing in the house. He was an accomplished tenor saxophone player. Playing with the band at three of his children’s weddings were highlights of his life. Reading, word and math puzzles of all kinds, chess and backgammon were favorite pastimes, especially done with his children and then grandchildren. While Jim may not have been overly demonstrative, he deeply loved his children and grandchildren and his pride in the adults that they have become was true. He loved the chaos that was usual when any number of children or grands were around. Working the wood, washing Papou’s car, painting granddaughters’ nails, red eggs on Greek Easter, learning what poker hand was higher, Skat, getting help in math, going to the movies with the grandkids with a stop at the store to buy candy to hide in his oxygen bag, Fisher Cats games-just some of the memories that were made.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and brother (Arthur). He will live on in the hearts and memories of Ann, his beloved wife of 39 years and his seven children: Lance (Leah) Adams, Aaron Adams, Maria (Tim) Shea, Nicholas Adams, Sara Belletete, Beth (Mike) Drzewiecki, Lisa (Brad) Wilson. He will also be missed by his four grandsons, eleven granddaughters and two great granddaughters.

His friendship and mentorship will be missed by his North Woods family, former students and players, cousins and friends.

We would like to extend special thanks to Jim’s primary care doctor Lucas Shippee, along with Jillian Wilkins for their care, comfort and friendship to both Jim and Ann. It meant more than can be expressed.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later time. No flowers, please. Donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Friends of North Woods Camp, or to the Stephen Record Scholarship Fund, PO Box 14, Jaffrey, NH 03452.