Jerry C. Adams

1933 - 2010

Jerry C. Adams obituary, 1933-2010, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

BORN

1933

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

Draper Mortuary

811 North Mountain Ave

Ontario, California

Jerry Adams Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 23, 2010.

Jerry Charles Adams

May 12, 1933-December 21, 2010

If ever there was a man that valued others more than himself it was Jerry Adams. His heart was huge, always dropping whatever he was doing to help others, sacrificing his own for the benefit of others.

Jerry has left us to be with his beloved wife Sharon and his son Nathan, both who preceded him in going to be with the Lord. His faith was enormous, and he so longed to be reunited with the love of his life.

Family was the totality of his values, he supported all in whatever endeavor they pursued, caught them when they fell, comforted them when they were discouraged, and cheered them on to success. This was evident in everything he did, most notably the last year of his life here on earth. He diligently worked to get bikes for his son Rodney and his daughter La Vonne, not because there were new toys for them, but because it made him happy to see them enjoy this sport as brother and sister.

Jerry loved much of life, and savored new experiences. As the family travel guide, he loved to do road trips and cruises, packing adventure into every mile of the trip, always seeking to do things together as a family. His love of people transformed many other lives as well, with his role as Junior High School United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) teacher with Sharon, and his role as chief of security with the Youth Authority. He constantly sought to better their lives through activities that built them up and he treated them as if they were his own.

One of his greatest joys the past years were his dogs, Gucci, Princess and Puff. He hated to leave them when he went on trips, and loved to be with them on walks. They were like small children to him.

Jerry will be missed by many, all of whom he touched their lives. He is survived by those who loved him most, his family: His children La Vonne and Rod; his grandchildren: Amy, Brad, Scott, and Shawn. We all sorrow at his departure from us here, but know that his joy is complete in being reunited with the love of his life, Sharon.

In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Diabetes Association.


Arrangements under the direction of Draper Mortuary, Ontario, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

January 27, 2011

I am happy to report that we have found a wonderful home for Dad's 3 dogs. One of my managers has 4 kids and a large yard. She had one male shih Tzu and now she has one dog per child. Puff has bonded with one of her sons and has been sleeping in his bed at night and follows him around the house. Thanks to everyone for helping spread the word!

January 10, 2011

Joel Epstein

Jerry was a wonferful person. I became a part of the family, as a friend of Nathan. Even after his passing, I was compelled to continue my role in the family and always looked forward to the many family events and cruises, with Jerry and the family.

December 31, 2010

Margo Preston

Jerry was wonderful cousin with an extraordinary heart for his family, his extended family, and his friends. He was so gracious to invite me and my daughter, Sheri after my younger daughter was killed in an accident. During the time we spent with him at his home and driving around LA, we had wonderful conversations about God, our tenBroek heritage and the bearing the grief of his beloved Sharon, and son, Nathan. He was always so kind, yet honest about the trials in this life.
Thereafter, we had many wonderful conversations by phone. I will always remember him and I thank God I got to know him and his cherished little dogs. He was so proud of his three children and grandchildren. He spoke respectfully of the matriarch of the tenBroek family, "Opu", and all of the tenBroeks. He was a wonderful Christian man. He enriched the lives of all who knew him. Rest in peace, dear cousin with your beloved wife and son. Thank you for your love of life and graceful strength. Your cousin, Margo Preston.

December 30, 2010

Linda, Carolyn

To say that many thoughts are with you and to offer deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one.

December 30, 2010

Libby Moreno

Jerry Adams was a gentle man always smiling and having nice words for us in not so nice times. He was a security person that actully liked teachers. God Bless you Jerry Libby Moreno

December 28, 2010

Henry Vander Weide

Jerry Adams was a dedicated member of the staff at YTS and a true friend of mine. We shared many things and I will remember him as a Christian gentleman. Hank VanderWeide

December 28, 2010

Henry VanderWeide

Jerry Adams was a dedicated member of the staff at YTS and a true friend of mine. We shared many things and I will remember him as a Christian gentleman. Hank VanderWeide

December 28, 2010

Jerry Adams was such a positive role model for the staff at YTS. He was a great friend and a hard worker. Mr. Adams will be missed I send my prayers to his family. Rachal, former Senior Youth Counselor.

December 28, 2010

RICK NERI

JERRY WAS MY BOSS AND FRIEND. THEIR WAS NOTHING HE WOULDN'T DO FOR HIS STAFF, AND THE WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE FOR HIS BEING. JERRY WILL BE MISSED, BUT HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON.

RICARDO "RICK" NERI

December 27, 2010

La Vonne Koester

Jerry's three adorable Shih Tzus available to loving and caring homes. If interested, call me at my cell at 909-262-5831.

December 27, 2010

Jerry Adams

Youth Authority Letter
December 17th,1991

From Jerry C. Adams, Chief of Security
Christmas Message
As Christmas time rolls around and I near my retirement years, after 32 years of service, starting December 1, 1959, I wish to thank each and everyone of you, the Assistant Chiefs, Senior Group Supervisors and Intermittent Group Supervisors for the overall excellent job that everyone of you are doing to maintain the security and peacefulness of this, the largest Youth Authority Institution (Flagship of the Youth Authority). This year has been a very hard year with some of us losing a few percent cut in pay, receiving wards who just are not able to properly maintain control of themselves, the loss of some of the YC positions as our ward count goes down, the overcoming of some who feel that we are just hard core cops who don't have any caring feelings towards and the loss of some of our staff. Though all of this I have found that you do care for others, do provide a safe atmosphere for wards and staff to work, and appreciate having a good job that really pays well and allows all of us to have a very rewarding career. I am very pleased with the high level of service that you are able to provide to the Institution and for the many services that you do provide from cleaning up the institutions grounds through the Phase a Work Crew, to providing excellent visiting every weekend during an overcrowded setting, to the handling of all ward's property, receiving, discharging, handling of all special programs and emergency situations, including the AM crew, PM crew, Midnight crew and TAC team. We are here to serve and are doing it well. Most of you provide an excellent guidance to our wards by talking with them when they are alone, showing tenderness when they are hurting and showing kindness when taking them out on funeral trips. This year Group Supervisors Vejar and Finch were able to make $2,000.00 with the Phase A work crew by picking up the aluminum soft drink cans from the trash and turning them in. With this money, they will be providing canned hams to the Salvation Army to help feed those in our community that are in need. My heart goes out to all of you who are sharing of yourselves to help others as it is the heart and soul of the jobs you perform each and everyday that you are here. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all of you,
J.C. Adams
Chief of Security

December 27, 2010

La Vonne Koester

Over the years you have been such an inspiration in my life. I would not be whom I am today without you and your guidance. While I was growing up, you always believed in me and made me feel special. Even though I was overweight and not very attractive, you made me feel beautiful and that I could accomplish anything. One of the things that you have instilled in me is the importance of family and being there for each other. I always knew that whatever trouble I was in that it was okay to call Dad and that you would be there for me. This you proved over and over again. Running the car battery down in the drive in movie theatre, running out of gas, getting in a car accident, having my kids driving me up the wall, just to name a few. There are so many special times that we shared together. One of the first I can recall was when just and I went to Disneyland together. That was one of many wonderful adventures. Our trip to Holland was one of those trips of a lifetime. As this was one a trip that you have dreamed about for many years, it was a privilege to be asked to accompany you. Although the weather was not ideal, it was fun to explore each day and see sights that we both had only read about. I will never forget the train conductor who smiled at us when he realized we were heading in the wrong direction. Or the restroom attendant running after you for her tip. What about one of our best meals at McDonald's but somehow the food just didn't taste like home. Recently there have been so many wonderful vacation memories to share. I'll never forget your first cruise when we went to Mexico. I remember one day sitting on the sun deck chatting with you when you told me that you now understood why people went on cruises, it wasn't as bad as you thought. It was then I realized that you taking this trip for me even though you thought you weren't going to enjoy it! That was the start of our many wonderful cruises. Hawaii (who could forget Fanning Island?) Alaska and finally our recent one to Europe. It was certainly another trip of a lifetime and one filled special memories that I will always treasure. One thing that I have realized that being there for someone is more than just when they are in the trouble; it is what happens each day. You thanked me for calling you each day. It is me that is grateful for the time we share each day. I look forward to it more than I think you realize. It isn't so much for you and is it for me. It is so comforting to have some one each day interested in what I'm in doing, being supportive and offering to help whenever. Over the years you have written me so many beautiful letters that I treasure so much. Many I have kept and re-read. One of the them which meant the most to me was the beautiful letter you wrote to me when I married Ron. It occured me to that you have written me so many letters, yet I don't recall writing you one. This is what prompted me to write this letter today. As we both know first hand, life is short and you don't always find the time to say the things that we want to say. One thing I wanted you to know is what a wonderful father that you are and how much I need and love you. I consider you a very special friend and I can't thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do for me.

December 27, 2010

Shawn Koester

My grandfather may have passed on but his life, love, spirit and example is present in each person's soul gathered here today. He meant a lot to me. He was there when I need him, I confided in him, he supported me in many of my life's decisions, and he always went above and beyond to make my life much better. When I was preparing to propose to Heather, my soon to be wife, he supported me. He made sure to get in contact with his friend Floyd to help us out and to find the “ring�. Heather and I spent at least two days looking at Floyd's impressive catalog of rings in different shapes, colors and sizes. The list started at several hundred, and then diminished to fifty, from fifty to thirty, thirty to fifteen, and the fifteen down to five. Once we picked out the five, we sought the one. Her ring is absolutely beautiful and with that in mind I thank Floyd and thanked grandpa for his helped. He loved Heather deeply and was really looking forward to seeing us get married. He also helped me get to and from school especially when I was running late. He made sure I got something to eat if I slept in and he helped me from the depth of his heart and soul without any hesitation and I'm forever grateful for that. He had an unquenchable love for his dogs. Princess, Precious, Puff and Gucci. All of them are irresistibly cute, playful and full of life. They would constantly pounce on me when I saw them and they were excited when grandpa came home. He loved them so much that he would never want to leave their side. His love for his dogs was the same for his family and he cared and loved us, he took time to be with us, he always had a good time whether it was the cruises we took or the annual Halloween party, he had a bright, expressive smile and enjoyed every minute of it. I miss him, I love him. There's a democracy in death and it doesn't arbitrarily take others yet spare others. This phenomenon affects people of all ages, all classes, all religious traditions and lack thereof, gay or straight, white or a person of color, rich or poor. I believe that God is present with us in our suffering, and offers comfort for those who mourn. It is perfectly natural to be angry with God when we lose somebody or have a dark night of the soul. Let God have it- all your fears, your concerns, your anxieties and your frustrations. God can handle it. The people of Israel, when escaping bondage in Egypt, complained to the Lord that they had a more desirable experience in Egypt as opposed to the harsh, unforgiving desert. Jesus before he died questioned his Father, “Take this cup away from me and let it not touch my lip for I don't want its poison. Not mine will but yours be done� As a Christian Universalist I believe strongly in the Fatherhood of God whose nature is love, and out of that extravagant love and grace, will reconcile all souls, Christian or not back to him in due time. God as the Good Shepherd will actively leave the 99 sheep behind in the pursuit of the one and when that one is found there will be great rejoicing. God's love never fails, God's grace never fails. God has the power to make all his children happy, to restore them to the fullness of the divine light and love and to have us experience heaven both here and now and the hereafter. A realm where nobody is excluded, where hate, prejudice and exclusion are things of the past, where people who were once enemies reconcile to become best friends, where people who would never interact with other people will mingling with the whole human family at the heavenly banquet where all will be fed, and nourished, and peace and justice shall reign. As Jesus was being crucified he was stationed between two criminals and the one criminal asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom� Jesus responded confidently, “Surely this day you shall be with me in paradise�.

December 27, 2010

Scott and Carol Andrews

Praise to the Lord our God for a life of fullness. Grace to the family. Love and Prayers; Scott and Carol Andrews

December 27, 2010

Richard Adams

Jerry was a special person and somebody I was proud to call my brother. He always put the desires of other people first and loved all family related ties. It will be hard to think of life without him.

December 27, 2010

sybl Acree

I would have never made it at YTS without your support and friendship. It was never the same after you left. I was honored to call you friend. Semper Fi my friend. Sybl Acree

December 24, 2010

Thanks for the good years shared with you at YTS Jerry.

Lily Velasquez-Estrella

December 24, 2010

The Feltys

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 24, 2010

Brandi Dixon

RIP Jerry Adams. You are a good man and you will be missed!

December 24, 2010

Tammy, Gary Saylor

Your father was an awesome man and I was blessed to have been touched by his kindness throughout the many years. He will be greatly missed! I pray that in time your sorrow will be replaced with memories of all of the good times you shared.

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