James Parks Adamson, 84, of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, August 18 ^th , 2020 at Rochester Rehab and Living Center.

He was born July 31, 1936 at St. Mary's Hospital to Joe and Helen Adamson. Jim graduated from Lourdes High School in 1955 and enjoyed the class reunions that kept him in touch with classmates. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

After graduating he enlisted in the Navy and became a Naval Air Navigator with the Naval Air Transport Squadron Six, based at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. Jim was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion. He was also very proud of his service and had many stories about his flying days; a crash landing without landing gear, and a strange string of events that kept him from flying in an aircraft that disappeared over the Atlantic never to be seen again.

After leaving the Navy he returned home to Rochester and met Moni Struebing in 1963, they were married and spent the next 57 years together. They stayed in Rochester and Jim went to work with his father and brother, Bill, at Adamson Motors. In 1974 he left the family dealership and opened a Mazda and Fiat dealership in Rochester. He became the first Mazda dealer in the state of Minnesota. Jim later sold the dealership and opened the MING Auto Detail and Rustproofing Center in Rochester, which he ran until the early 90's when his son's, Chris and Mark, took over the business.

Jim had a great sense of humor and was known for his pranks and mischievous behavior. He loved boating and the Mississippi River, and he spent every summer living life to the fullest with Moni and the kids on the beaches of Lake Pepin.

In retirement Mom and Dad spent the coldest months of the year on the Big Island of Hawaii. All of the children and grandchildren had an opportunity to spend a couple weeks on the beaches playing with Grandpa and Grandma. It was a cherished time for all of us.

Dad is survived by his wife, Moni (at Rochester Rehab and Living Center); brother, Bill and family; children, Sue Pearson, Chris (Pat) Adamson, and Mark (Kelly) Adamson all of Rochester; six grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Paul; and his parents.

A heart-felt thank you to Breanne and the staff at Season's Hospice, for the loving care Jim received during his final days.

The funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2020 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.