Obituaries

James “Gary” Adams, 88 of St. Ignace passed away at home, March 24, 2026. He was born January 9, 1938, in St. Ignace, the son of Earl and Olive (Latondress) Adams. Raised with strong values and an enduring love for the simple joys of life, Gary’s journey was one of dedication, love, and laughter.

Gary graduated from LaSalle High School in 1956, where he first discovered his passion for education and sports. He went on to have an illustrious career in education and athletics, impacting countless students in Niles, Michigan and Madera, California. Beyond the classroom, he was a devoted coach and official, guiding young athletes. He even developed the Little League program in St. Ignace while in high school and later received the Distinguished Service Award from the LaSalle High School Sports Hall of Fame.

He was an active member of the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, Lions Club, and as a high school and college basketball referee, along with being a high school and college baseball umpire. Gary will be remembered as a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and of course, the St. Ignace Saints!

Gary married Carol Evans, August 22, 1964, in Bellevue, Michigan, building a beautiful life with love, and moved to California where they raised their two children, Peter and Angela, fostering a home where the love of sports was as strong as the love for each other. Carol passed away in 2014.

In 2015, Gary moved back to his hometown of St. Ignace and married Roberta Droskie. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida.

Gary’s legacy lives on through his surviving family, his son Peter (Diana) Adams, his daughter Angela
(Gerardo) Garcia, seven grandchildren, and five cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Marian King of St. Ignace and Earlene (Randy) Carlisle of Madison Heights.

Also surviving are his wife Roberta and her children, Scott (Samantha) Droskie, Sandy (Michael) Grisdale, and Susan (Timothy) Cronan, along with her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, and six siblings, Thomas, Gordon, Lorraine, Donald, Robert, and Anne Marie (infant).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Gary to the Oncology Clinic at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace and/or the St. Ignace LaSalle High School Athletic Department.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace. The Memorial Mass will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be in Madera, California.

Family Life Funeral Homes – St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.