James “Hot Rod” Carlos Adams Jr., 58, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Blessing Hospital on September 2, 2026. James was born on July 2, 1968, in Romeoville, Illinois. He was a one-of-a-kind man whose presence could never be replaced. To those who knew him, he was many things—a brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, mechanic, and storyteller—but to his family, he was simply Hot Rod, and he was loved beyond words. James was a hardworking man who took great pride in doing things with his own two hands. He owned and operated his own business, Jim’s Workshop, where he spent many years doing what he loved most: working as a mechanic. He had a passion for anything with wheels and a motor, and in his spare time he could often be found riding and building bikes. There was something special about watching James work. He had a gift for taking something apart, figuring it out, and putting it back together again. But of all the things James loved, nothing compared to his family—especially his grandchildren, whom he lovingly called “his babies.” They brought a special kind of joy to his life, and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with them.

James is survived by his beloved sister, Margret Jackson, and his brothers, Frank Mullet (Danielle), Robert Mullet, and Orville Adams. He leaves behind his children: Tiffany Devlin (Marqueal) of Quincy, Illinois; Andrew Adams (Ashley) of Pleasant Hill, Illinois; Kaylinn Bruns (Julian) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Jeremiah Adams (Krista) of Quincy, Illinois. His greatest treasures were his six beautiful grandchildren, Kellina, Kiaralee, Arianna, Andrew, Marqueal, and D’naelynn, his precious “babies” who will carry his love and memories with them for the rest of their lives. James also leaves behind several beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews, including William Mullet(Ashley),whom James loved and considered his own.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort knowing James was welcomed home by those who went before him. Waiting for him with open arms at the gates of Heaven are his mother and father, James and Effie Adams; his sister, Diane Mullet; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

And surely, at the very front of that heavenly welcome was the one James had been missing most—his son, James “Big Guy” Adams.

We can imagine that reunion now: father and son together again, surrounded by the loved ones who went before them, with no more pain, no more sorrow, and no more goodbyes. James leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind pieces of himself in every person who loved him, in every story that will be told, in every motorcycle that roars down the road, and in every little grandchild who will grow up knowing just how deeply their “Papa” loved them.

His hands may no longer be turning wrenches, building bikes, or fixing what was broken, but the life he built through his family and the love he gave them will continue for generations.

Ride high, Hot Rod.
Until we meet again, may you ride free with Big Guy beside you.
You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved.
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

Cremation rites have been accorded. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.