James Adams

James Llewellyn Adams, a distinguished attorney and lifelong lover of the outdoors, passed away after a brief illness, on April 14, 2025, at the age of 87 in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Born on August 19, 1937, Jim graduated from Emory Law School, beginning a remarkable legal career. He started at Arnall, Golden, Gregory, one of Atlanta's premier law firms, before relocating to Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1971. In Shreveport, he made a lasting impact on the banking industry, working with Bossier Bank and Trust, among many others. Throughout his legal career, Jim was known for his professionalism, dedication, and integrity.

However, while his career in law was highly successful, Jim’s true passions lay in the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending countless hours enjoying nature. Just ask us about George – his infamous 6x7 elk he took on a hunt in Canada. He also had a lifelong love for Appaloosa horses. He and his family traveled nationally to horse shows, and he was especially proud to serve as the past president of the Appaloosa Horse Association. Jim was also deeply involved in the Coastal Conservation Association, dedicating time and effort to preserving coastal wetlands.

In addition to his professional and recreational pursuits, Jim remained an active member of his community throughout his life. His generosity, leadership, and sense of humor touched all who knew him. He was a devoted reader, often found at night in his recliner, with a book resting on his chest and his eyes closed. When asked about his reading habit, he’d always argue, “I was just resting my eyes.”

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth Adams; his brother, Tommy Adams; his father, O.L. Adams; and his mother, Katherine Adams Morris.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Feron Adams; his children, Lisa Adams Hargett (and her husband, Steve Hargett), James Benjamin Adams (and his wife, Beth Dupre Adams), and Dennis Paul Adams (and his wife, Terri Diane Adams); his stepson, Jay Begbie; and his grandchildren, James Wesley Olley, James Christian Adams, James Crawford Adams, and Dagny Elizabeth Adams. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. A Rosary will be led by Becky Diesi at 11:30 a.m., followed by a short service at 12:00 p.m., led by the Most Reverend Monsignor Keith Derouen. Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.