Sherman J. Adams

December 11, 1937 - January 31, 2026

A service in witness to Sherm’s faith will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Second Christian Reformed Church, 3015 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family following the service at the church. Sherm will be laid to rest in a private family service at Grand Prairie Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Shalom Kalamazoo, an organization serving adults with disabilities through the love and wholeness of Jesus Christ or Granite Springs Church in Lincoln CA, a congregation begun by his children Kevin and Gerry Adams and a cause often in his prayers and dear to his heart, in c/o the funeral home.

Sherman Adams, age 88, went home to be with his Heavenly Father early Saturday morning, January 31, 2026.

Sherm was born in Portage MI on December 11, 1937, the son of Koert and Jessie Adams. On May 15, 1959, he married Emily Delger, the love of his life. The two of them radiated contagious love for the almost 67 years of their marriage. They have three sons Kevin (and Gerry Ann Meninga) of Rocklin California, Jon (and Barb Rienstra) of Grand Rapids, and Mike and (Lisa Nyenhuis-deceased) of Middleville.

Sherm was a cherished and sought out, long-time member of Second Christian Reformed Church where he served as cadet leader, deacon, treasurer and innumerable ways behind the scenes. A person of deep conviction and faith, he was often heard humming hymns throughout the day. He loved fishing, train travel, being in the great outdoors, and especially dating Emily. He was a person of sparkling character, steady sacrificial devotion, unpretentious service and sterling faith. In the words of a family member, “he was a giant of a man” a truth undiminished by his authentic humility and unassuming nature. He loved being with his family and cherished his eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He also survived by his sisters, Arlene (Jim) VandePolder and Linda (Ron) Triemstra; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Sherm was a valued, industrious and trusted employee who worked for over 40 years at the James River Company and then for ten years at Kalamazoo Christian High School as a beloved custodian who had an eye and love for people on the margins, a living embodiment of the beautiful truth of Psalm 1.