James ‘Big Guy’ Adams, III
James “Big Guy” Adams III, age 35, passed away in Blessing Hospital on January 24, 2025. He was born October 28, 1989 in Joliet, IL to James Adams and Kelli Semkin. Big Guy was a very loved person. If you met him, he definitely made a mark on your heart. He never knew hate or anger, all he knew was love, happiness and joy! Big Guy attended Transitions School for the disabled. He graduated there in October of 2011. He also attended Camp Callahan for several years. Big Guy loved to fish, swim, sit on the porch and enjoy the sun. He enjoyed watching football, wrestling, and listening to his country music. He loved spending quality time with his family/friends. Big Guy loved the color yellow and spending time with his favorite person, Pappa.
Big Guy is survived by his parents, James Adams (Jenna) and Kelli Semkin, a very special care giver Christine Owens, siblings Tiffany Devlin (Marqueal) of Quincy, Andrew Adams (Ashley) of Pleasant Hill, IL, Kaylinn Bruns (TyVion) of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Jeremiah Adams of Quincy. 5 nieces and nephews, Kellina, Kiaralee, Andrew Adams, Arianna and Marqueal Churchill. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.
He was proceeded in death by paternal grandparents James and Effie Adams, his maternal grandparents John and Linda Padden, and 2 aunts Diane Mullet and Lynn Schrader.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Afterwards, there will be dinner provided at the Crossing, 48th Street. If you would like to bring a side or dessert feel free and share more time with the family. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To the Family and Friends of James Adams III
Very sorry for your loss.
Eternal Rest James
Chaplain Mark Wiewel
Blessing Hospital
Ima miss you my smooth dude! But your watching over all of us !!
My baby brother I miss you so much but I will never forget the way you face lit up when I entered the room and the excitement you showed me every time all I want is for you to dance with papaw daily and watch over all of down here sending us signs anytime it’s needed to keep us going in the right direction Jessica loves you BIGGUY TIL WE MEET AGAIN ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Im going to miss you big guy! Miss that big smile that you always had!
I pray God’s comfort and peace to all James’ family. He touched my life about 2005 or so when I worked with students in James’ class at Transitions. He was always so happy (and funny) that I will never forget him. He was patient and kind and thoughtful. Ever since meeting him, when I have been tired or my feet hurt, I have told myself, “Take a step for James. He would give anything to be able to do even one step so easily.” I can still remember how happy he was one particular day, moving down the long hall there during PT in a large ‘walker’ for the first time. He thought it was terrific! He was laughing and excited, and waved at me as if to say “Look at me!”, with the biggest smile on his face!
Sincerely,
Peggy Forrester