James Everett “Mac” McAdams died at home on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Faith, hope and love for others carried him through treatments, surgeries, and even in his last days, he lifted others up. He cared deeply for those around him and filled his days with laughter and reminiscing of a life well-lived.
James was born March 27, 1949, the son of the late Everett Merron and Viola Bell Monk McAdams. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Andi Whichard McAdams; and sister, Rita M. Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Brooks McAdams; three sons, Chad McAdams, and his fiancée, Rachel Whitaker, of Winnabow, N.C., Julius McAdams, and his wife, Angie, of Creedmoor, N.C., and Spencer Dawkins of the home; daughter, Caroline Dawkins of Durham, N.C.; one granddaughter, Amelia McAdams; three brothers, Milburn McAdams, and his wife, Shirley, Ronald McAdams, and his wife, Peggy, and Royce McAdams, and his wife Donna; sisters, Mary M. Day and Ruth M. Smith, and her husband, Dale, all of Texas.
James “Mac” McAdams was a servant leader who dedicated four decades of his life to cultivating and impacting the lives of students through education, leadership and athletics. James knew first-hand how pivotal the connection between family and school could be for children and was passionate about creating an environment where students, educators and coaches alike could thrive.
Beyond Mr. McAdams the principal, James “Poppy” McAdams was a passionate family man. If you asked him, family was number one and he filled his days making memories with them. He enjoyed golfing, was an avid coin collector, history buff and loved classic cars. James’s love for old westerns and football was rivaled only by his love for his wife, siblings, children and granddaughter. James had an insatiable sweet tooth, loved to bake and would never turn down a big bowl of ice cream. He also cherished impromptu adventures with his wife in search of the perfect hole-in-the-wall restaurant or quality antique shop.
James was loved by many and had an immense amount of love for all those he came in contact with. He spent each day believing in others, he truly believed that the work he was doing mattered.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:07 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 14, at Brogden Hall of New Hanover High School. The family will greet friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the McAdams’ family would appreciate donations be made to New Hanover High School c/o MacHope Award for Perseverance and Endurance Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to exemplary New Hanover County student(s) in honor of the legacy of James E. McAdams. Donations may be made online to either tmcfunding.com; k12paymentcenter.com, search MacHope; or by mail to New Hanover High School, 1307 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at wilmingtoncares.com.
