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Joe Donald McAdams
Joe Donald MCADAMS
Aug. 28, 1931 - Aug. 12, 2003
Joe Donald McAdams, 71, died August 12, peacefully with his wife at his side. He went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with many illnesses. He’s rejoicing in heaven with family and loved ones previously deceased.
He was born August 28, 1931 to Travis and Jayne Marie McAdams in Hollow Rock. He was an Oxnard resident for the past 35 years. He attended school in Bruceton, graduating at the top of his class at the age of 16. After joining the Navy in December, 1948, he completed boot camp in San Diego, transferring to Treasure Island in San Francisco. There he met his future wife, Julie Fay Edwards. They were married February 17, 1951. Joe served on the USS George, USS Iowa, USS Enterprise and the USS Long Beach. He was selected to compete and serve as Captain on the Navy National Rifle and Pistol Team. He received countless trophies and awards, but was especially proud of his Expert Pistol Shot and Rifleman Awards. Joe retired as Chief Petty Officer in March of 1968 after 29 years of dedicated service.
He relocated, moving his family to Oxnard, where he worked for many years at Computer Sciences Corporation at Point Mugu. February 12, 1980 he began working at NSWSES Tartar Weapon Systems at CBC, Port Hueneme, retiring December 31, 1995. He was active with the Employee Recreation Activities receiving many special achievement awards. Though he did not want to be remembered for his cooking, those of you lucky enough to have tasted something he had barbecued, can never forget. But don’t worry, he left us the secret recipes.
During the years his children attended Rio Mesa High School, Joe was very active in the Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters Club, serving as president from 1976-1978. He was a man of many talents. He was a woodworker, gadget collector, welder, leather craftsman, mechanic, avid gardener, also receiving 1st place honors for his photography talents at the Ventura County Fair. His travels took him to many places. But the RV adventures shared with his wife and family brought him the most joy. Joe was actively involved for over 19 years with the Oxnard Strawberry Festival. He also was a volunteer instructor for the 55 Alive AARP Driver Safety Program.
Joe and his family joined First Southern Baptist Church of Oxnard in 1968. He has served as Deacon through the many changes of the church, currently known as Dove Christian Ministries. Joe was recently honored by the church by naming the fellowship hall McAdams Hall.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Julie Fay, his three children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His daughter, Linda Martinez, husband Charlie, their children Denise Shearer and her husband Justin and their daughter, Morgan, Stephanie Martinez and fiancée Aaron Pruter, Crystal Martinez and Chris Sneed, and their daughter, Aryanna Sneed. His daughter, Tammie Thies, husband Jerry, their daughters, Brittany and Elyse Rodgers, and Paige Thies. His son, Michael McAdams, wife Ellie, and their sons, Anthony Madera, Matthew and Brandon McAdams. His sister, Mary Nell Sherill, husband Howard of Paducah, Kentucky, nephews Bill and Norris Sherrill and their families. Stepsisters Anita McLemore, Joan Frensley, and stepbrother Bill Butler and their families, all of Tennessee, and so many other family members that loved him dearly.
The family would like to thank the countless doctors and nurses that helped provide care for Joe, especially the nurses in CCU at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Oxnard. Kelly was his favorite. A special thank-you to Pastor Jasper Butler and his wife Nancy for their constant presence and support to our family throughout this most difficult time. The love and prayers from the church family have been a great source of comfort. Pastor Jasper Butler officiated at the celebration of Joe’s life, Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m.