James W. Adams, 94, of Lake Mills was ushered into heaven on Saturday, April 15, 2017. He passed away at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Emmons Lutheran Church,  490 Pearl St. in Emmons. The Rev. Christopher Martin will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery in rural Emmons.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Emmons Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.

James Wallace Adams was born Oct. 3, 1922, in Worth County, Iowa, to parents Corbet and Sarah (Bye) Adams. He was baptized on Dec. 10, 1922, at Lime Creek Church and was confirmed in 1937 at Salem Lutheran Church. James attended Bristol No. 3 country school and attended high school in Lake Mills.

On Nov. 17, 1946, James and Maevis Sorbo were united in marriage at Emmons Lutheran Church. The couple made their home farming northeast of Lake Mills. They were blessed with six children. Maevis passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 27, 1999.

James was married to Norma Singelstad Amundson on Sept. 14, 2001, at First Lutheran Church in Milford, Iowa. They enjoyed over 15 blessed years together.

Faith, family and farming were the cornerstones of James’ life. He faithfully served his church and his community on various boards, was a faithful member of the Sons of Norway and always looked forward to working at the annual church lutefisk dinner.

James was so very proud of his family and was a wonderful caretaker to his siblings when his help was needed. He was well-known for his great ability to tell stories about his life experiences.

Farming was James’ passion. He took great pride in his farm and the crops he raised. His grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved coming to the farm to experience farm life. In later years, his farm was scaled-down to a backyard garden in town. He enjoyed sharing his fruits of labor with family and friends.

He will be remembered for being a hard worker and was a stranger to no one. He had an infectious laugh, mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Adams, of Lake Mills; six children, Sharon (Harlan) Betz of Castle Rock, Colorado, Kathy (Harold) Estes of Northwood, Shirley Hanson of Huntley, Illinois, Janice Cordell of Decorah, Iowa, Jerry Adams of Lake Mills and Bev (Tim) Nappe of Milford, Iowa; 13 grandchildren, Joshua (Jill) Betz, Sarah (Mark) Loeffler, Julie (Chris) Carlson, Brian (Courtney) Hanson, Shannon (Chris) Green, Rebecca (Lisa) Moody, David (Mika Petersen) Gerber, Sheryl (Chris) McCammon, Jessica Adams, Andrew Adams, Matthew (Margaret) Nappe, Jenny (Gabe Hoover) Nappe and Rachel Nappe; 26 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter expected in May. He is also survived by a brother, Don Adams of Lake Mills; brothers- and sisters-in-law Howard Hareid, Myra Richardson, Orva Sorensen, Sidney (Betty) Sorbo, Helen DeLooper and Kari Singelstad; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents Corbet and Sarah; first wife, Maevis; sisters Eva Hareid, Carma Adams, Cora Rice and Blanche Hareid; brothers- and sisters-in-law Louis Hareid, LaVonne Adams, Ron Richardson, Blanche Haried, Eva (Louis) Haried, Norlan (Marge) Sorbo, Phillip Sorensen, Martha (Charles) Flugum, Hans Singelstad, Bertha (Norman) Eide, Raymond (Oma Lee) Singelstad, Norman DeLooper and Alfred Singelstad.

Online condolences may be left at www.mittlestadtfuneralhome.com.