James Otis¬†“J.O.” Adams, 94, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at Brewster Place in Topeka.

Jim was born on June 14, 1918 in Eureka, the son of William F. and Hattie Claycomb Adams. He graduated from Eureka High School and then from Kansas State College in 1941 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. He retired from the Army Reserve with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

He was employed as a Civil Engineer with the Kansas Department of Transportation for 34 years, retiring as the director of operations.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Arab Shrine Legion of Honor, the Military Order of World Wars, and the Military Officers of America Association.

Jim married Marjorie P. Gould on Sept. 5, 1942 in Miami Beach, Fla. She survives.¬†Other survivors include their daughter, Terri J. Novosel, Topeka; sons, John I. Adams and wife, Nenita, Colorado Springs, Colo., William C. “Clay” Adams and wife, Patti, Overbrook; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, James O. Adams, Jr; granddaughter, Beth Ann Novosel; two brothers; and one sister.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Private family inurnment will be in the Richland Cemetery at a later time.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children c/o the Arab Shrine at 1305 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS  66612; or to the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1275 SW Boswell, Topeka, KS 66604.

Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com