James E. Adams

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for James E. Adams, 90, who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Deacon Durk Viator will officiate.

Entombment with military honors by the Iberia Honor Guard will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Tuesday from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm.

James Edward Adams was born in Bates City, Missouri on September 18, 1935, and proudly served our country as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. For a time, he flew helicopters offshore for PHI while beekeeping was still a hobby.

What began as a hobby blossomed into a profound vocation. James became a professional beekeeper, managing over 1,000 hives. His biggest honey crop produced 236 55-gallon drums in one year. His dedication to beekeeping connected him deeply to nature’s rhythms and the fragile beauty of life. Jim also had a green thumb. An avid gardener, he grew everything

James’ woodworking skills were exceptional; he could build anything. He constructed everything from practical tools like a pea sheller to building his very own home. Each brick and board of his house was carefully laid by his hand, the walls six inches thick and soundproof, a lasting symbol of his craftsmanship and care.

Known affectionately as “Pop” by his children and grandchildren, James had a quiet, reserved nature that spoke volumes through his actions rather than words. His love for family was a steady current beneath the surface of a man who preferred to keep to himself. He remained active throughout his life, enjoying walks and bicycle rides through his neighborhood, always appreciating the world around him with a thoughtful presence.

Mr. Adams is survived by his loving wife of 44 years; Lucille Oubre Adams; children, Susan Adams Sherry, James “Jimmy” Edward Adams, Jr., James “Jake” Nelson Adams, Jeffrey Edward Adams, Janice Adams Hagerty (Barry), Sandra Ann Raji (Farzad), Mark James Kelly (Janice), Phillip Paul Kelly, David Allen Kelly (Fran), and Karen Kelly Thornton (William); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Jesse and Clydie Adams; and several siblings.

Pallbearers will be John Simon Oubre, David Kelly, David Allen Kelly, and Renaldo James Hall, Sr.

Jim leaves behind a world more colorful than he found it. He will remain in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).