James E. Adams

James Epsie "Lightning" Adams was born on February 20, 1941 in Panola County, Mississippi, to Epsie James (Major) Adams and Ruth Mae Henderson Adams. On May 7, 2025, the Lord called His child home. 

James confessed a hope in Christ and was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Water Valley, MS. James was united in holy matrimony to Kate Lynn Joiner. As a means of providing for his wife and growing family, James began his work life at Ram Tool. He would eventually change to working in construction, concrete, and operating machinery. 

James was preceded in death by his wife, Kate Lynn Adams; his parents, Epsie James (Major) and Ruth Mae Henderson Adams, and his brother, Hubert Ray Adams.

James leaves to cherish his memory many friends and family including his children, Donna Woodard, Tracy (Brenda) Adams, James Adams, Curtis (Aisha) Adams, Jennifer Adams, Cautina Campbell, Fitzgerald Campbell, and James (Ruby) Armstrong; his sisters, Loretta Thomas and Jeanette Thomas; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, good friends, and his life partner and companion, Bobby Faye Neely, who stayed beside him until his untimely death. 

A wake for James will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 11:00 AM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The interment will take place at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Water Valley, MS, following the service. 

The family of James Epsie Adams wishes to express profound gratitude for the many acts of kindness, gestures of love, prayers, sentiments, and encouragement during this time of his passing. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is honored to serve James's family during this time and asks that you continue to remember them in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come.