Obituary

Larry James Adams

Lummi Tribal Member, Larry Adams was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital on November 06, 1947. He was the first son of Delores Finkbonner and James Adams. He passed away at the age of 71 on March 20, 2019 in Swedish Medical Hospital in Edmonds after long, difficult complications related to cerebral palsy.

Larry was a miracle. He was paralyzed on his right side. Yet, with only the right side of his brain functioning–throughout his life –he far exceeded his life expectancy and overcame obstacles that were not thought possible by medical science. He could talk, walk, read and write, manage his checkbook, form meaningful relationships, work, and laugh and play with others. He had charisma. People came running to see Larry. “Larry is here!” was the common delight that announced his presence at every family gathering. He had a rare blend of strength and innocence. He was a man of faith, and attended Grace Lutheran church every Sunday, until he was no longer able to do so.

Larry was preceded by his grandparents; Philomena (Harry) of Nooksack & George Finkbonner, I of Lummi, & Damien Solomon of Lummi; Ellen (Celestine) Solomon of Snohomish/Tulalip & Thomas Adams, II of S’Klallam, & Chester Solomon of Lummi. His parents and step-parents Violet (Wilson) Adams of Lummi, & Samuel Leach of California. His long term foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frost of Deming. Two brothers, Bert Jefferson II, and Robert Leach; and four sisters, Mary Adams, Charlotte Adams, Valerie Jefferson, and Velda Jefferson, all of Lummi. Fourteen uncles and thirteen aunties of Lummi, Nooksack, Tulalip and Colville; and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by family elders, Auntie Donna (Solomon) Hunter of Nooksack, and first cousin, Wilma (Celestine) Olsen of Lummi. His brothers: Perry Adams (Dianna); George Adams (Fran) and Ronald Adams (Beverly); Allen Jefferson; Boyd Jefferson (Collette); William Leach; David Leach; Garnet Adams (Diane); Gordon Adams Sr.; and Joe Adams and sisters; Veda Jefferson; Vera Adams; Jessie (Adams) Deardorff (Leroy); Siam’ewit (Doug) James; and Kathleen Solomon, all of Lummi. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry loved, and was loved, by all those who knew him.

Prayer services will be held at 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 24th. A funeral service will be Monday, March 25, at 10:00 AM. Both services will be held at Wex li em, the Lummi Community Building on the Lummi Reservation. Burial will follow at Lummi Cemetery.