Jack Adamson

Jack Kelley Adamson of Polson passed away Feb. 28, 2025. He was born June 5, 1934, in Denver, Colo., the third of seven children, delivered at home on King Street. The midwife insisted he be named John, inspired by the Bible, but he never went by that name – Jack suited him perfectly.

Jack was a devoted father to four children – Randy, Cheri, Lori and Cathi – whom I am blessed to call my bonus children. When they were young, he delighted them with dollar pancakes on weekends, penny shopping trips, and outings to local attractions, always a loving and caring dad. His son and daughters adored him.

Later, after we met in 1967 and married on Aug. 23, 1969, in a garden wedding with our four kids as our wedding party, Jack and I took them camping, tobogganing, and on family adventures to Yosemite and Frontier Village – such joyful times that strengthened our bond.

Born into a lively family, Jack moved with them to Sunnyvale, Calif., at age 10. He thrived in school, where his attentiveness and perfect marks endeared him to teachers and fueled his excitement for learning. At Fremont High in Sunnyvale, he excelled as a football star and, in his senior year, served as student body president, graduating with a large class in 1952.

At his 25th class reunion, which we attended as a couple, his classmates still turned to him for decisions, just as they had decades before – a testament to his natural leadership and the affection they held for him. I loved them all, too.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Science from San Jose State in 1959, the same year his youngest, Cathi, was born. Before we met, he worked in the Los Angeles area for FMC, even taking classes at UCLA, where he marveled at the vast campus.

His career as a mechanical engineer took him to Philco Ford, TIW, and Dalmo Victor, where we met. At Dalmo Victor, he contributed to the NASA Apollo 11 programs in 1968-1969, designing antenna structures that enabled communication with astronauts, a vital part of the mission’s success.

Next, he worked for Lockheed. One memorable adventure came when Lockheed chartered a flight to Greenland to fix an antenna that kept blowing over. Jack devised the solution, and he and a military crew flew there with equipment and resolved the issue, earning accolades and a presidential quip: “Where did we find this guy?” He retired from Lockheed in early 2002.

That June, while still in California, I found our dream home and showed Jack. He said, “Yes!” without hesitation. I emailed my mom, who replied that a realtor had just shown her the same house. It felt like a God thing.

My mom and brother Rod toured it within days (it had only been on the market three days), and when I saw their photos – pine trees, an American flag, over three acres of green – I cried with joy. After two years of searching, this was the one.

Our California home sold quickly to a buyer who overbid to secure it, and in October 2002, we began our new chapter in Polson, Montana, in a house and community we adored. Jack embraced my birthplace, loving my mom, aunties, siblings, and cousins as his own.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Harold L. Adamson and Helen Kelley Crane Adamson, and his son, Randy L. Adamson (2003). He leaves behind his devoted wife of 55 years, Sharon P. Adamson, the love of his life; daughters Cheri Tyler (Greg), Lori Ann Adamson, and Cathi Feiock (Roger); grandchildren Akasha Ross (Paul), Ian Reid Hoyle, Timothy David Adamson (Lesley), Raymond Adamson (Cierra), Peter Adamson and Bobby Feiock (Lexie); great-grandchildren Jayde (Curtis), Chloe, Luke, Askari, Breana Marie, Tesla Elenore, Carly, Riley Daniele, Isabel Rae, Leeann, Alona and Kam; and great-great-grandchildren, Cameron, Avery, Sage, Jennifer, Isaiah, Harmonee and Keegan.

In retirement, Jack captained his bowling team with passion, often scoring in the 200s – his highest, a 298. He loved golfing with friends, followed by evenings on the deck with me, sipping wine and watching birds dance in the sky.

Winters found him immersed in his 32-foot N-gauge railroad, complete with trains and landscapes, set to Elvis’s ballads. But he always eagerly awaited summer to return to the golf course. A man of faith, he cherished friendships at Polson Community Church.

Jack’s life was full; we shared 55 years of marriage and partnership, a life filled with fun and love, we were truly soulmates, and I was the keeper of his heart. As I said in parting, “Save a place for me, but for now, enjoy those already in heaven.” See you at Heaven’s Gate, my sweet husband.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Polson Community Church. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.