Adams Jr., Owen E. 1939-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Owen Estel “Jay” Adams, Jr., 86, St. Joseph, passed away surrounded by family on Nov. 25, 2025, in St. Joseph. Jay was born on May 10, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Owen and Ocie (Dickinson) Adams.
He graduated from the Penney High School, in Hamilton, Missouri, in 1957. Jay worked as a printer for the Journal Publishing Company in St. Joseph, which later became the St. Joseph News- Press, where he worked for 10 years. He then became an insurance agent for MFA which transitioned to Shelter Insurance. He worked there for 24 years before retiring.
Jay officiated high school football for 30 years. He was the head of the Midland Empire Officials Association for 16 years and became the MSHSAA football crew evaluator in 1997. Jay became a member of the Huffman United Methodist Church in St. Joseph in 1964 making him a member for 61 years. He was also a volunteer for the Dream Factory for eight years, serving as the president for three years and serving on their board in Kansas City for three years. He also was a member of the Optimist Club and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, attending games with his dad.
He married his wife, Betty June McBrayer, in 1959 at the Hamilton United Methodist Church and they just celebrated 66 years of marriage. In his spare time he enjoyed collecting railroad memorabilia, volunteering at the food kitchen, golfing, and bowling. He loved people and never knew a stranger. He was kind, funny, witty and will be missed so much by his family who loved him dearly.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Janice Sue and Brenda Kay; and his brother, Buford Burns.
Survivors include his wife, Betty June Adams; son, Kevin (Stacey) Adams; daughter, Kelly (Jody) Watkins; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please send honorary donations to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church, 2802 Renick St., St. Joseph, MO 64507. Cremation and arrangements have been entrusted to Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
