David James Adams Jr.

David James Adams Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Born in 1942, David lived a life defined by service, love, and unwavering dedication to his family, country, and community.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Valerie Adams (née Shea); his two beloved children, Amy Collins (née Adams) and her husband Brian Collins, and David Adams III and his wife Jennifer Hart; four cherished grandchildren; two adored great-grandchildren; four loving siblings; and 29 cousins. David was predeceased by his parents David and Eleanor Adams and his youngest brother, Daniel Adams.
David grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey, and attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with pride. David served with distinction on the USS Long Beach and the USS Bennington. He continued in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 25 years, ultimately retiring as a Captain. During his time in the reserves David worked with NATO traveling overseas continuing to forge strong foreign relationships and safeguard our country. David was also a Naval Academy recruiter for potential midshipmen. His service was a cornerstone of his identity, and he remained a proud representative of the Navy throughout his life.
Professionally, David began his engineering career working alongside his father before joining Ebasco Services. This opportunity led him to Florida, where he and Valerie raised their young family. Later, they relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, so that Valerie could pursue graduate studies. There David continued to work with Ebasco, then Foster Wheeler and as an independent contractor overseeing the project management of large scale projects across the country.
In retirement, David and Valerie settled in Mathews, Virginia, where he enjoyed sailing on the East River and gave generously of his time to Hands Across Mathews including management of the every Wednesday food distribution and to the Catholic Church. They built lasting friendships and immersed themselves in the community. David’s final years were spent at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, Delaware, where his spirit of service continued. He became active in the community including chairing White Elephant Sales, delivering flowers to Willowbrook Court, escorting the wheelchair-bound to events, and participating actively in community life. In 2019, David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He accepted this diagnosis head on like everything in his life. He did research for the best ways to reduce symptoms, and then spent early mornings in the Cokesbury gym. David attended several Parkinson’s groups participating for as long as he could. When Parkinson’s stole David’s voice, he continued to listen, laugh and love those around him. True to his giving nature, David donated his brain to a study at the University of Pennsylvania in the hopes that someone else can be helped by what the scientists learn.
David will be remembered for his integrity, his quiet strength, his deep commitment to family, and his generous heart. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, veteran, and neighbor.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at Cokesbury Village on September 19, 2025 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Parkinson’s Foundation 1359 Broadway Suite 1509 New York, NY 10018 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research PO Box 4777. New York, NY 10163.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain. You will be deeply missed.