James Kenneth McAdams Jr.

James Kenneth McAdams, Jr., 83, of Braselton, Georgia, passed away on August 29, 2026, in Athens, Georgia. Born on August 5, 1943, James was a native of Greenville, South Carolina, a place that remained especially dear to him throughout his life. Although he later made his home in Braselton, his roots in Greenville were an important part of who he was, and he maintained a lifelong affection for his hometown.

James was a proud graduate of Furman University, Class of 1966. His years at Furman were a source of great pride throughout his life and reflected the deep connection he maintained with Greenville and the community that helped shape him. A father, entrepreneur, businessman, and respected manager, James had a natural ability to connect with people. Those who worked with him remember him not simply as a boss, but as a great manager and mentor who genuinely cared about the people around him. Many employees became lifelong friends, and James remained in touch with former colleagues and employees for decades-a testament to the relationships he built and the lasting impression he made.

Friends and family remember James for his warm and friendly nature, easy smile, and wonderful sense of humor. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcomed, and he enjoyed sharing a laugh and a good story. His nieces and nephews also remember their uncle with great affection and fond memories of the warmth, humor, and personality he brought to family gatherings and their lives. James was preceded in death by his parents, James Kenneth McAdams, Sr. and Marjorie Gambrell Graves.

He is survived by his four children and their families: Heather Kline and her husband, Chris, and their children, Christopher, Nicholas, and Lindsay; Jared McAdams; Jordan McAdams and his wife, Katie, and their children, William and Charles; and Ashley McAdams and her daughter, Abigail. He is also survived by his brother, Tom McAdams, as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family, longtime friends, and former colleagues whose lives became intertwined with his own over the years. 

During the final years of his life, James was cared for through hospice, where his warm personality and sense of humor continued to endear him to those around him. He formed meaningful relationships with the staff who cared for him, some of whom affectionately referred to him as their "favorite patient." His family is deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and friendship they showed him and for the dignity and care they provided throughout those years.

One of the most meaningful gifts his hospice caregivers gave James was the opportunity to make one final trip to his beloved Greenville. Returning to the city that meant so much to him was incredibly special and brought him great happiness. His family will always be grateful to those who made that final visit possible.

James's life began in Greenville, and fittingly, he will return to the city he loved for his final resting place. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, South Carolina. The date of the graveside service and interment is being determined and will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, his family and friends, and the many people whose lives he touched. He will be remembered with love for his warmth, his humor, and his easy smile.

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.