JOHN ADAMS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Alexander Adams on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026, in his 80th year, surrounded by his loving family at the West Parry Sound Health Centre.
John was the devoted husband of Deborah Adams (nee Virgo), with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Beloved father of Natalie Wiersma (Jonathan), Jocelyn Rolph (Dan), and Vanessa Ferris (Steven), and a proud grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Aezlyn, Maija, Elora, Aleigha, Sonja, Ethan and Ben. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home in Parry Sound and raised their three daughters, creating a lifetime of traditions, laughter and family.
Born in Parry Sound, Ontario, John was raised in a bustling household of ten children. John moved to Toronto with his family in 1958 but returned to the area in 1961, where Horseshoe Lake held a special place in his heart and Parry Sound would become home. John dedicated 46 years to A&P and became a department manager early in his career. He took great pride in his work and in the service he provided to his customers. His strong work ethic, loyalty and commitment earned him the respect of his colleagues and his community. His interest in the grocery business continued long after his retirement in 2009. John had a lifelong love of sports and the outdoors. He was an exceptional all-around athlete and excelled in hockey, track and basketball. John cherished his time on the water and was often referred to as “Georgian Bay Johnny” by family and friends. John was also a proud member of the local Royal Canadian Legion, where he valued fellowship and the opportunity to serve his community.
John’s greatest joy was his family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and delighted in their accomplishments. He loved boating, fishing, hockey, walks on the dock, family gatherings and holidays, but most of all, having everyone together. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, wonderful sense of humour, quiet generosity and his unique ability to have ‘never met a stranger’.
John will be deeply missed by his siblings, David Adams (Heather), George Adams (Mary), Ernie Adams, and Kathy Barbeau (Bernie); his sister-in-law Brenda Jones (Bill) and brother-in-law Dean Virgo; his many cousins, nieces and nephews; his extended family; and the many friends, former co-workers and members of the community who knew and loved him. John is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Rose (Crocker) Adams; his sister, Florence “Queenie” Dearing (Bill); his brothers, Bob Adams (Lois), Gord Adams (Nancy), Fred Adams (Lynn), Roy Adams (Helen); his sister-in-law, Nadine Adams; his niece, Carol; his nephew Robert; and great-niece, Desiree.
We are deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff at the West Parry Sound Health Centre and Medical Associates for their compassionate and attentive care of John and for supporting our family over the years.
Family and friends will be received at Logan’s Funeral Home, 81 James Street, Parry Sound, on Friday, September 11th from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M.
A service celebrating John’s life will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 6 Church Street, Parry Sound, on Saturday, September 12th at 11:00 A.M., with a reception to follow.
Memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation, The Royal Canadian Legion Parry Sound Branch #117 (donations by cheque only, please) or Trinity Anglican Church (donations by cheque or e-transfer to [email protected])
John leaves behind a family who will carry his love, humour and example with them always.
Condolences
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the family. He will be missed at our legion branch 117. I had the pleasure to serve John his beer in a cold glass over the last few years. Always was happy and made me laugh, I will miss Mr Mayor for sure Rip John ❤️
-Lara Willows
Debbie we are so sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of John. RIP
-Ken and Heather Breadner
John always put a smile on my face, and we both shared a love of being on the water. He and Debbie raised their daughters with so much kindness, care and love, and it truly shows in the people they’ve become. I only wish I had gotten to know John better. From the time I did spend with him, he struck me as a man, father and husband who had a personality and warmth that was worth getting to know. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to know him. Rest in peace John!
-William (Bill) Channon
My sincerest condolences to John’s family / families. I remember John from the early years. Heather Adams asked me to show him the tobaccogrowing on the high ground to the west of our farm. I don’t remember the year ( 1968 ? ) approximately . Most of our family worked on tobacco at some time or other. I do remember that I took John up to see it in my 1957 Chevy (canary yellow) car . There was approximately 140 acres of tobacco at that time. It was at night and John was amazed at the size of the plants. God be with all.
-Donal Blacklaws
Debbie and Families, I’m terribly sorry to hear of John’s passing, I worked at A&P when John was there and he was very kind and had chats with him when I’d see him out and about. May he rest in peace and cherish all of your memories 🙏🏻🙏🏻
-Vonnie Stotzel
So very sorry to hear about John’s passing. My Heart goes out to the family members and friends, I started working with John back in 1966 and worked on the dairy department with him. After retirement we ran into each other and shared our memories together over a coffee at Tim Hortons, Sending Thoughts and Prayers to all family members and friends.
-Curtis Stevenson
My sincere condolences to the family of John Adam’s RIP John.
-Rolly Cascanette
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a mentor to me at A&P in my very first job. His coaching and genuine passion for the grocery business sparked a career path that I still follow today. He was a wonderful leader and teacher, and his impact will not be forgotten. Wishing comfort and peace to your family. Warmly, MB
-Mike Bannerman
I learned about John before I met him, through Mrs. Carol Mymko, my grade 6 teacher and wife of A&P manager Cecil. She would frequently ask my classmate Susan (Adams) how John was recovering after being crushed by a transport at work. He had such resilience. And drank a lot of buttermilk! Years later, John took me on as his assistant at A&P. John was a teacher of life and character. As my supervisor he taught me work ethic, how to manage a dairy department, how to be a supervisor, and to be a good person to any and all. His love of family came through clearly at work in the way he talked about them and when he saw them in the store. I remember much of his advice 45 years later. For some reason, I recall one of his lessons every time I buy footwear. He told me once, “You want to do well in this job and in life, buy good shoes!” We spent all day on our feet at A&P, walking 1000s of steps. He said take care of the things that are important to you! His message was “Things that are important aren’t costs, they’re investments.” Simple but meaningful lifelong advice. My condolences to his family and friends on their loss.
-Taylor Scarr
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. RIP John.
-Frank and Diane Penfold
My sincere condolences to the family.I had the pleasure of working with John at the A&P when I was a teenager.He was a very patient person and he taught me alot about the grocery business. With his wit and sense of humour he always made work a fun place to be.
-Gary Kennedy
Debbie and family.
So many memories as neighbours & coffee time meetings at the salt docks. May time ease your pain and memories sooth soul.
-Paul & Cheryl Forth
Rest Easy John
-Derek Favretto
My condolences to John’s family. John was a good friend, we played a lot of hockey together. Whenever we got together John would always bring up the good old days of days of being a Parry Sounder. Rest in peace old friend.
-George Phillips
Dear Debbie and family, my deepest condolences to you all at this sad time. I hope your wonderful family memories with John will comfort you at this time. Your neighbour, Roxann Meldrum
-Roxann Meldrum
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Debbie and your family. John will always hold a special place in our memories and hearts.
Rest In Peace John.
-Nancy, Jamie and Marcus Robb
So sorry to hear about John’s passing. My condolences to the entire Adams family. I knew John all through our A & P time, even though we were at different stores. Always enjoyed his sense of humour especially at the Legion. He certainly will be missed.
Gurneth Hoddy
-Gurneth Hoddy
Debbie and Family,
Thinking of you at this time! What a gift we all had by knowing John!
Anthony Geroux
-Anthony Geroux
So sorry for your loss. Had the pleasure of meeting Papa John at Natalie’s wedding and a half dozen times over the years at Jonathan’s Britt cottages. He never complained about his pain and health issues and was always positive in recent visits. May his memories be a blessing.
-Samuel Kanes
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time
-Margaret Bricknell
Dear Debbie, Natalie, Jocelyn, Vanessa and families, Sending our deepest condolences on your loss of John. I so enjoyed our chats when we ran into each other. Hoping all of the special memories that you have help you get through this very difficult time. Cec and Jeff Barks
-Cec & Jeff Barks
Dear Debbie, So sorry to learn of John’s passing. You and all your wonderfully large family are in our thoughts and hearts through these days. Pat and Richard Poole
-Patricia and Richard Poole
Sending Deborah and family condolences on the loss of John. Always a smile and a greeting and sometimes would share what he was doing. To me he was a “young” senior. He will be missed. Gone too soon. Bless you John and rest in peace
-Helen Ayers and Abe Vander Welle
Debbie, Natalie, Jocelyn, and Vanessa and the rest of the families and friends, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of John. This is very sad news. He was an extremely good man. One I was always happy to see. He will be missed. Please take extra good care of yourselves in this time of grief.
-Shonna Hawkins
I am very sorry for your loss. John and his brother Gord were dear friends of my dad and someone I will always remember fondly. Whenever I had a chance to chat with John he always made sure you walked away with a smile or a laugh. He will be greatly missed. Sending our sincere condolences.
-Christine & Bill Corbett
Dear Debbie and family! I’m so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was always such a happy-go-lucky person in spite of the pain he suffered after his accident. I know he’ll never be far away from any of you and you will keep him in your heart just the same as you will be in his. You won’t see him but he’ll always be close by watching over all of you. I believe, you will see him again someday when your journey on Earth is over and the Lord calls you home. Debbie, you and your family are in my prayers. 🙏🤗♥️ There’s a new star in the sky tonight! 🌟🌟🌟
-Marlene Helen Bissonette
Debbie and family…it’s with great sadness that Iread of John’s passing. My deepest condolences.
-Malcolm Mac Donald
Sending our deepest condolences from Natalie’s staff, students and community of Angus Morrison Elementary School. We are truly saddened by the loss of Mr. Adams and want you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Gina Brown
Debbie, we are thinking about you. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
-Dave and Paulette LaBrash
Sending heartfelt thoughts to Debbie and family during this difficult time. Hold your wonderful memories of John and each other close.
-Kathy (Beynon) Farrow Brown and Jim Brown
Sending heartfelt condolences to family and friends.
John always took the time to have a quick hello or chat with my mom, Dorothy when she did her shopping.
Fondly remembered
-Janet (Ruscoe) Lawson
Uncle John, your smile, mischievous laugh and love for your family will always be warmly remembered.
Love Tricia.
-Tricia & Stu Sybersma
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Parry Sound, ON P2A 1T7
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