Ira Joseph "Joe" Adams, Sr.

Ira Joseph (Joe) Adams Sr., 88, of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away July 27, 2020.  He was born to Ira Dervis Adams and Maggie Lee Ellington Adams on January 29, 1932 in Summit, GA.

He attended Robert E Lee High School in Jacksonville, FL before enlisting in the U. S. Army to serve in the Korean War in the Transportation Div.    After returning home, he married Jo Ann Brown Adams and went to work at the Jacksonville Terminal Co.  When it closed, he went to work for the Jacksonville Bulk Mail Center until he retired in 1994.  Then he worked for the Council of Aging in Green Cove Springs.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Middleburg.  He belonged to the Arlington Masonic Lodge for over 60 years and enjoyed being a Shriner of the Morocco Shrine Center for over 50 years.  He was a board member for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and earned the Grand Cross Metal for many years of dedication and service.   He had a lifetime membership in the NE FL Bluegrass Assoc. and enjoyed many years of camping at the Bluegrass Festivals.   He loved the music and all the many close and dear Friends associated with the Bluegrass.  He filled his retirement years working for the Council of Aging in Green Cove Springs, driving the elderly to Dr. appts.  for which he received a Certificate of Service with the State of FL Council of Aging “ Driver of the Year” Award. 

He was in the Morocco Shrine Motorcycle Escort Unit and enjoyed many Motorcycle Rides.  He would go hunting and fishing, but he was happiest spending time tinkering and refurbishing his 1951 Ford Truck, showing and winning trophies with it. 

He will be remembered for the metals earned in the Korean War.  He was a very hard worker, never met a stranger and loved talking to and helping people.  He loved music and dancing, especially the Bluegrass and all the many wonderful Friends he came to know thru the Assoc.   He was the most proudest of his family and that he was able to spend time with them and take such good care of them.   

Joe was preceded in death by His Father, Mother and 2 Sisters, Ellen Crow and Ann Savage.

Joe is survived by His wife Jo Ann Brown Adams of 65 years.  His children:  Donna Jo A. Hudson (Mark Hudson), Nancy Adams, Jody Adams (Evie Swearingen Adams).  His Grandchildren: Ashley Ann H. Burris (Tim Burris), Austin M. Hudson ( Laine Kelly Hudson), & Ryan M. Hudson.  One Great Grandson: Mitchell Hudson.  His Brothers: Bob Adams (Jackie Adams), Mark Adams, Paul Adams, Todd Adams and Joel Adams and many Special Nieces and Nephews.

There will be a small graveside service for the family only on Wed July 29, 2020 with Pastor Tim Martin officiating.

In lieu of Flowers, please send a donation to the “Shriner’s Hospital”, Morocco Shrine Center, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S.,  Jacksonville, FL 32224 OR to “Hospice”.