James "Jay" Douglas Adamson Jr.'s Obituary
James “Jay” Douglas Adamson Jr. was born on September 22, 1926, to James and Ruby Adamson in Gainesville, Florida. He died on June 26, 2024, at the VA Hospital surrounded by his family.
He spent his childhood in Gainesville and signed up to serve in the US Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor when he was 17 years old. His Navy career spanned 22 years, including service in World War II and the Korean War. Jay never wished to be acknowledged as a hero for his service to our great country, he would simply say “I did my duty” if anyone alluded to him this way.
Jay met and married the love of his life, Betty, in 1958. Jay was generally a man of few words, which meant he and Betty were a perfect match. They were the true definition of life partners, helping and serving each other with joy and loving one another unconditionally for 66 years.
He was a brilliant man who could fix anything and build anything. He had a long career as the Facilities Manager for the Florida Department of Agriculture; Division of Plant Industries at the Doyle Conner Building after retiring from the Navy and in his spare time he and Betty built and sold numerous houses around Gainesville. Jay was meticulous about details, and wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection, always challenging himself and those around him.
Jay also loved cars and auto racing. He could be found most Saturday nights at a local speedway in Ellisville.
Jay found great joy quietly serving in his church, Grace Baptist over the last 3 decades.
Jay is survived by his loving wife, Betty, their son, Jim Adamson and granddaughters, Crystal (Matthew) Elixson and Kylie Adamson.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2nd from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd Street, Newberry, and funeral services will be held at Grace Baptist Church, 7100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville on Wednesday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m., burial services with military honors at Forest Grove Cemetery immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by mail at Wounded Warrior Project; Post Office Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675
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