James Ray Adams

James Ray Adams - Obituary

James Ray Adams of Oklahoma City passed away at his home on March 15, 2026. Born on March 2, 1971 to Kenny Ray Adams and Janet Lou Griffin Adams in Clinton, James became very involved in the Clinton community as he attended school and played various sports. As a young adult, he moved to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, often traveling back and forth between OKC and Clinton.

Growing up, James had impressive athletic talent and skill, particularly in football. Some of his favorite memories came from playing for the Clinton Red Tornadoes, where he eventually became a linebacker on the high school football team. As a linebacker, James excelled throughout high school and, as a senior, won the Best Defensive Player award. His love and passion for football continued long after high school as he was a committed, diehard, lifelong fan of the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners. He also developed a love for coaching as he taught football, wrestling, and baseball to his sons Blake and Jet, helping coach their various teams while they were growing up. He also passionately cheered on his nephews Arnold III, Paul, and Clint as they played football for Clinton and later Yukon High School.

After graduating from Clinton High School in 1989, James attended OU for a time before starting his career in the automobile industry. He spent years working at various dealerships, beginning as a salesman before moving up to Sales Manager and finally Finance Manager, managing accounts and helping customers find affordable vehicles. Later, he took classes to be trained and certified in the HVAC industry, starting the business Absolute Heat & Air with his wife, Amy.

Outside of work, James enjoyed going to the lake, fishing, gardening, cooking, watching movies and TV, cheering on his Sooners, and spending time friends who became like family. Most of all, James valued his family beyond measure. He cherished every single time that he got to see and spend time with his children, his siblings, parents, grandparents, nephews, nieces, cousins, and more. He often spoke of the many memories he had with them. James had no greater pride than his large family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Janet Adams and Arnold Lee Adams Sr. and Kenny Adams, grandparents James Calvin “J.C.” Griffin, Sadie Wells, Raymond Adams, and Betty Adams, his siblings Billy Adams and Samantha Adams, his uncle Clifford Roof, his cousin Rick Roof, and his nephew Patrick Adams.

James is survived by his four children: Dylan Ray Johnson of Edmond, Blake Griffin Adams of Austin, TX, Ivy Jo Barton of Edmond, and Jet Heintz Barton of Yukon. He is also survived by his brother Arnold Lee Adams Jr. and wife Lori as well as their sons Arnold III, Paul, and Clint, sister Tracy Roush and husband Ricky as well as their daughters Shannon, Rena, and Megan, sister Kathryn Adams, sister Jolene Miller, niece Mandy Adams, aunts Phyllis Roof, Lisa Heinrichs, and Teresa Huttenmaier as well as many cousins and extended family members.

Finally, James leaves behind close friends Greg Griffith, Eddie Stewart, Doug Baca, and many others like them.

Services will be held at Lee Hometown Funeral Home on Saturday, April 4th at 11 AM.