James Griffin Adams passed away on February 20, 2025. He was born February 16, 1938, in Guntersville, Alabama to Reba Griffin Adams and Walter Seth Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother Walter Seth Adams, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marella Tapp Adams, his three children, James Griffin Adams, Jr. (Milly), Michael Seth Adams (Forsyth), and Lesley Adams Hudson (Michael). He had six grandchildren: James Griffin Adams III, Mary Virginia Olmstead (Clayton), Arthur Richmond Forsyth Adams, Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, Michael David Hudson, Jr., and Marella Stewart Hudson, and one great-grandchild, Henry Ellis Olmstead.

Jimmy graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1955 and the University of Alabama in 1959 with a major in Economics. He met his lifelong partner Marella while they were at the University. He was a member and served as president of Sigma Chi fraternity. After college graduation, Jimmy served in the US Army.

He and Marella were retail entrepreneurs, and their clothing stores served as places of style and connection for the people of North Alabama. They owned the Village Squire men's shop and The Carriage House women's boutique. The Carriage House thrived under their leadership for 54 years until their retirement. Jimmy and Marella made a great team as business owners, community members, and loving parents.

Jimmy was warm and welcoming, a caring friend, and a great listener. He had a curious mind and enjoyed learning about the lives of others. He was known to be a true gentleman with immense style and business acumen.

Jimmy was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Decatur, serving on the vestry as Junior and Senior Warden. He relished spending time in his garden and with friends and family in north Alabama and on the Gulf Coast in Orange Beach. He and Marella enjoyed numerous buying trips for their stores to New York City.

Visitation will be held in the parish hall at St. John's Episcopal Church, 202 Gordon Drive, Decatur, AL, 35601 on Monday, March 3rd at 1:00pm, with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., and a celebration of life immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John's Episcopal Church, 202 Gordon Drive, Decatur, AL, 35601, or the Delano Park Conservancy, Post Office Box 742, Decatur, AL, 35602, or Hospice of the Valley, 240 Johnston Street SW, Decatur, AL, 35601.