John Bruce Adams

John Bruce Adams was born  on April 18th, 1945.

John Bruce Adams, 75 passed away peacefully in his home on August 1st, 2020 in Alpine, WY.

Bruce was born in Columbia, MO and grew up in Arlington, VA.  He graduated high school in 1963 from Arlington.  After graduating high school, he and a friend traveled across the country to California.  While traveling through Wyoming he saw the Tetons for the first time.  Inspired by the magnificent beauty he knew that he would always live in Jackson, WY.  Bruce volunteered for military service in the US Army for the Officer Training Program and proudly served his country from 1967 – 1972.  Bruce worked for the Grand Teton National Park in Moose, WY.  He then became the care taker for the Barrel Family at Leeks Marina, under Slim Lawrence who was the ranch manager from 1971 - 1977.  Slim Lawrence was the godfather to Bruce’s sons Mike and Dan.  He then became the Director of the Jackson Hole Museum from 1977 to the early 80’s.  This led to a career at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as a Lift Operation Supervisor.  He owned and operated Jackson Hole Small Engine.  He later worked for Teton County Parks and Recreation until he retired in 2008.

Bruce was part of a high angle mountain rescue team for Grand Teton National Park and an avid mountain climber, hunter, fisher, and loved his family most of all.  He climbed most peaks of the Teton range including Mount Moran.  He was an Elk, Mason, and Shriner. 

Bruce is survived by his wife Cheryl Ann Adams, 2 sons Michael B. Adams, Daniel L. Adams, 2 Daughter-in-laws Valerie L. Adams, Irina S. Adams, and 1 Grandson Burke M. Adams.  He was preceded by his daughter Shawna L. Adams in 1971, Parents John H Adams, Helen L. Adams, and Brother Lawrence K. Adams 2019.

In loving memory of Papa Bear!