James "Buddy" Manning Adams, Jr., died on May 19, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 25, 1937 in Leonardtown, MD to James Manning Adams Sr. and Jean Pierre Belk Adams. He was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County.

He leaves his wife of 47 years, Charlene Ann (Long) Adams whom he married on October 7, 1967, his two daughters, Deborah Adams and her boyfriend Brent Wilkinson of Hollywood; and Jaclyn Jameson and her husband Duane Jameson of Mechanicsville; and granddaughters Kendall and Payton Jameson, also of Mechanicsville. He is also survived by his sister, Jeannette Adams Way of Waldorf; a brother Herbert Hardwick and wife Suzie of Shalamar, FL., and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by both his parents, his sister JoAnne Norris, his brother-in-laws Louis Norris and Tom Way, and his nephew Harold Wood.

Mr. Adams graduated from the Charlotte Hall Military Academy. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and served from 1955-1961. He was stationed in Portsmouth NH, the Syria/Russian Border, where he supported U2 flights in the late 1950's, Diyarbakir and Adona Turkey, Albuquerque NM, and Andrews AFB in Suitland MD.

Mr. Adams worked for the Bell System, known today as Verizon, for 32 years. He was a central office technician and worked throughout St. Mary's and Charles counties. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff in St. Mary's County in the late 1960's.

Mr. Adams was a charter member of the Mechanicsville Optimist Club and was a past member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad. He was a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau and the Veterans of Helen. He was a life member of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department for 62 years. His most recent role was on the Board of Directors, where he sat for the last 16 years. He looked forward to attending the Maryland State Fireman's Convention in Ocean City each June.

Mr. Adams was a devoted husband and loving Dad and Pop. He would do anything for his "girls". He enjoyed taking care of the house and yard and doing small maintenance at his daughters' homes. He never knew a stranger and was friends with everyone. He loved rockfish and hard crabs. He was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins and a NASCAR fan for 50 years, ever since he attended his first race Labor Day 1959 in Darlington, SC. He owned a motorhome and traveled the country for 40 years.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 5 – 8 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingly Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 9:30 AM in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church Chaptico, MD with Fr. Charles Gallagher officiating. Interment will follow in the Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Guy Jr., Bobby Guy, Tony Wood, Randy Norris, Nick Norris, Jason Norris, Timmy Long, and Jason Guy. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department. Contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad and/or Hospice of St. Mary's County. Arrangements provided by Mattingly Gardiner Funeral Home.