In Memoriam
Grant Adams
Grant Jay Adams, a man that will live in the hearts of many passed away on November 15, 2020 surrounded by his family at the age of 78. Grant died of a sudden bicycle accident. Grant lived his life to the fullest with his wife, his family and anyone who would want to come along. He had an open heart and an open home.
He grew up in Inglewood, California. Two years after high school he moved to Chico, where he met the love of his life, Sky Adams. They were the first couple married at Neighborhood Church in 1965. They were active at the church for 30 years. Grant served on the board, but his real love was the youth. He began teaching Sunday school to the fourth graders, and then we decided we wanted to work as a team. We began with Jr. high students, then high school students, developed an adult sports program and ended up working with college students for 15 years as mentors. Grant brought fun to each age group and his love for God was seen by all. One of his favorite memories with the church was leading annual college groups to Mexico to build houses. The theme for his life was to be a servant to all that crossed his path.
Grant had a successful career with Oscar Mayer Meat Company. As a young man the company wanted to promote him but as a couple, we decided that we did not want to climb up the corporate ladder and rather focus on building a family and working with the youth. Grant continued to work in Chico for 30 years and retired at 53 years old. He loved his job, raising our family, and building into the youth. Grant was an amazing husband, father, and papa to his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. The family has treasured memories to comfort them.
“Retirement years” opened up a whole new life of adventure and ministry. Grant and Sky biked across the USA 3 times, the East and West Coasts and individual states to raise awareness for clean water in Africa. He believed in doing good by doing things he loved to do.
Grant is survived by his wife, Sky Adams of 55 years, his son Tyler Adams and daughter-in-law Lora Adams, his daughter West Adams, his grandchildren Grant & Walker Adams, and Jessica & Sydney Copp, brother Robert Adams, and sister Betty Anderson.
A celebration of life service will be held at Neighborhood Church of Chico, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd, on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 10:00 am. Masks will be required. I want you to know that I love you, but I will not be hugging, but I will be happy to click elbows. If you are not able to attend the service, it will be streamed live at Neighborhood Church of Chico.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BridgingtheGap4Water @ btg4water.org.
Sky, our hearts are with you. Grant was a great guy, and still is. You’ve had such a wonderful life together! And we all have an even better life yet…
So glad to have spent time with Grant during house building missions in Mexico. His legacy is truly a blessing.
Sky- So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, but so thankful that you have so many memories of your wonderful life together, so many fun adventures that many of us have watched from afar. Your strength and faith will guide your family through this and our prayers are with you.
Sky, Phil and I felt so blessed when we moved into the neighborhood. You and Grant along with the Johnson’s welcomed us with open arms. We felt so lucky to be surrounded by such lovers of God. We feel sad that we only had 4 short years but also again feel so blessed that we had those. We will miss Grants bald head peeking over the fence followed by his big grin and the conversations that followed. I’m so thankful that his celebration is on line so I can join in while I am recuperating from surgery to hear all the wonderful stories of his life. Phil and I are just a shout away over the fence if you need us for anything. Enjoy the jelly beans!!!
I spent many hours on the treadmill along side Grant at “In Motion Fitness”. What a pleasure it was to know him, he was always so uplifting and funny, truly one of a kind.
Tom Fresina
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying the Lords arms enfold you and give you comfort, strength and peace. With Love, Teryl Sundquist
Sky,
Ed and I are terribly saddened to hear of Grant’s passing. We had only just met you but so enjoyed your company. We immediately sensed that Grant was such a fun and caring person and deeply cared about his family, church and others. We are fortunate to have spent some time with him. Let me know if you would like to walk. Pat and Ed Brennan
Cody Hasty and I will never forget the time that Grant led us through the fog to the summit of Mt Shasta….we were almost lost and could have been in trouble were it not for his leading…IN HIS TEE SHIRT while had parkas on. Also remember the Oscar Meyer weiner car that Grant shared with all the kids. We will miss him. What a great guy. We will pray for God’s grace and love to comfort you and your family. Patty and Hap
How sad we are that Grant has passed away. He made our yoga class at In Motion Fitness so much fun. He always put a smile to our faces and was always interested in how our lives were going. I practiced next to him many times and he made me laugh sometimes when we were supposed to be quiet. He was always seeking mischief and I know many in the class truly liked his personality and even including Maria the yoga teacher as he brought us so much joy. We know what a difference that you Sky and he made in the world and it saddens us that he has died so suddenly. He will always be on your shoulder and we will not forget him. May you live on with the beautiful memory of him and take care.