Joseph R. Adams III, 78, of Hicksville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in his home. Joe was born on July 21, 1947, in Hicksville, to the late Joseph R. and Lillian M. (Kozumplik) Adams II. He graduated from Hicksville High School in 1965 before earning his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1969 from Tri-State University. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard from 1970 until his honorable discharge in 1976. On October 26, 1974, Joe married Connie Shininger at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Sherwood. He dedicated 39 years of service to FM Global (Factory Mutual), where he worked as a fire protection engineer until his retirement in 2009. Joe was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Hicksville as well as the Knights of Columbus Council 10043 and active in the pro-life movement. He also belonged to the National Horseshoe Pitching Association and competed in tournaments or simply pitched with friends and family. One of Joe’s greatest joys was spending time outdoors with his family, including target practice or fishing. Joe loved to travel and often went to Florida to go shark fishing and visit his siblings. In recent years, Joe had a penchant for riding his bike around Hicksville.

Surviving are his seven children: James (Sarah) Adams of College Station, Texas, Paula (Rusty) Campbell of Edgerton, Ohio, Jackie Adams of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Christina (David) Morris of Florida, Ohio, Jessica (Joseph) Kues of Wilder, Kentucky, Rebecca (Matthew) Pocratsky of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Joseph (Theresa) Adams IV of Greensboro, North Carolina; 25 grandchildren: Addy, Avery, Alannah, Noah, Jacoby, Donavan, Steven, Kian, Ainsley, Trinity, Theresa, Eden, Elizabeth, Lawrence, Dori, Evelyn, Simon, Xavier, Vincent, Belle, James, Gianna, Saoirse, Peter, and Ki; two sisters: Helen (Joseph) Keane, and Mary Ann Breininger; three brothers: Victor (Linda) Adams, Paul (Marilyn) Adams, and Carl (Kathy) Adams. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; five grandbabies waiting for him in Heaven; three sisters: infant Paula Adams, Ruth Herman, and Luddy Keating; and by three brothers: Dick Adams, John Adams, and Ben Adams.

Visitation for Joseph R. Adams III will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 3:00 – 6:30 P.M. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 North Main Street, Hicksville, with recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:30 P.M. A Memorial Mass for Joe will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 100 Antwerp Drive, Hicksville. Burial will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville, where Military Rites will be accorded by the combined honor detail from the Hicksville American Legion Post 223, Farmer American Legion Post 137, and Sherwood VFW Post 5665.

Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, Hicksville.

Condolences may be sent to the family, or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.