Julie Jane Cunningham Adams Obituary

October 21, 1943 – June 22, 2024

Julie Jane Cunningham Adams was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, on October 21, 1943. She passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, in Palm Springs, California, surrounded by her family and friends, at the age of 80. She was the beloved daughter of John and Geraldine Cunningham.

Julie led a remarkable life filled with adventure, compassion, and a profound curiosity for the world around her. She grew up in Lawrence Park, Pennsylvania, and attended Edinboro State College, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, focusing on Spanish. During that time she was able to study Spanish in Mexico and French in Quebec City over a couple of semesters.

After graduation, Julie joined the Peace Corps. The rigorous training began in Puerto Rico and included a challenging Navy SEAL swimming test. Julie was the only person in her class to pass, demonstrating her determination and resilience.

Her Peace Corps journey eventually took her to the Dominican Republic, where she experienced a revolution, survived a bus accident, and met her first husband, Thomas Johnson. Together, they raised their family in San Antonio, Texas, and had three children: Travis, Thomas, and Lisa. Julie and Thomas later divorced.

Julie later married Jack Adams, and they remained married until her passing.

Julie continued pursuing higher education, eventually earning a master’s degree in social work. She initially worked as a Spanish language teacher, where she shared her passion for the language and culture with countless students. Later, she transitioned to a career as a social worker at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX, where her empathy and dedication touched the lives of many patients and their families.

Julie’s love for travel and meeting new people was evident throughout her life. She had an insatiable curiosity about different cultures and experiences, which she enthusiastically shared with her family and friends. Julie enjoyed many beautiful adventures throughout Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. She was also able to explore many areas throughout Southern Europe both for business and pleasure while married to her first husband Tom.

Julie is survived by her devoted daughter, Lisa, and Lisa’s wife, Cathy; her beloved son, Thomas of San Antonio, Texas; and her cherished grandchildren, Brendan, Paige, Reid, and Aaron. She is also survived by her husband, Jack Adams; her sister, Maggie Sholtis; her brother-in-law, Joe; her beloved namesake, her niece, Julie; her nephews, Jason and Sam; her dear cousin, Chuck Arnold and his wife, Carol; and her dear friend, Mary Schilken Goodman. Julie was predeceased by her son Travis and her grandson Jonathan.

Julie passed away peacefully after a long struggle with Transverse Myelitis. A memorial mass to celebrate Julie’s life will be held on Sunday, October 20th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s the Evangelist Church in Lawrence Park, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs, CA 92264, an organization close to Julie’s heart.

Julie Jane Cunningham Adams will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the love she shared will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.