Once Upon A Time .... a special angel came to this world.
Vicki Lorraine Adams James was born on September 18th, 1942 in Santa Monica, California to parents Frank Ralph Adams and Olea Lorraine Hill. Born in the same room as the famous Shirley Temple, it was no wonder that Vicki’s smile revealed similar dimples, which thrilled her parents. She had a magical and happy childhood, developing a love for nature and singing wherever she went. Growing up as the only girl with 2 older brothers Dusty and Mike and her younger brother, “Irish”, Vicki became a sports enthusiast. She loved the cracking sound of her bat meeting the baseball and the feel of throwing a football in a perfect spiral. She grew up in Huntington Park, California as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She remembered as a young girl, many church activities and how thrilled she was to attend the dedication of the Los Angeles Temple, where she would eventually be married. Music was an important part of her family culture and some of her favorite childhood memories included singing with her brothers when relatives visited and harmonizing in the car on family trips. She attended the same high school where they filmed the movie “Grease” and was voted Homecoming Queen. She loved serving in student leadership as Senior Vice President and member of many clubs, including Girls League. She entertained professionally, singing with her brother Irish as he played his guitar. Performing together, they frequented many reputable venues in Southern California.
After high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. One day, during her freshman year, a young man bumped into her accidentally, knocking her books to the ground. As he picked up her books, he introduced himself as Stephen Virgil James from Texas. The movie-like introduction turned into a romance. For 2 years, she waited for Steve while he served as a missionary in the northwestern states. Upon his return, they married in the Los Angeles Temple. She was warmly welcomed into Steve’s family by his parents Virgil and Frances James and his 2 sisters Nancy and Julie. After growing up with only brothers, Vicki was elated to finally have sisters.
After welcoming her first baby (Steve Junior) to the world, Vicki discovered that her greatest joy in life was being a mother. Three additional children followed (Tammy, Wendy and John), as the family moved between California, Utah and Idaho. Vicki loved being with her family having canyon picnics,, backyard barbecues and going on trips. She visited many lovely places throughout the country and beyond. In her travels, she found that her favorite place to be was at home with her family and loved ones. After her husband’s passing, she moved in with her oldest son’s family. She lived there for more than 20 years, right up to her passing. There was no place like home to Vicki.
Vicki enjoyed singing, listening to beautiful music, writing poetry and descriptive verse, going for walks and appreciating the changing seasons and beauties of nature. She loved reading a good book on a rainy day, a fire in the fireplace, doing puzzles of any kind, cooking, baking, viewing the majesty of snow-capped mountain peaks and watching the ocean waves along the coastline. She adored gathering as a family during holidays, especially at Christmastime.
Vicki truly loved and accepted everyone without judgement and set a Christ-like example of true compassion and unconditional love. Whether it be for her family, friends, community or church, she was in constant service of others. She served in many church callings, and especially found joy in Relief Society, Primary and being a temple worker. Still her favorite calling in life was serving her family as a mother, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, sister and aunt. She lived for our family and now waits for the day when we can all be reunited to continue our journey into eternity.
Vicki is survived by her children: Stephen (Lisa) James, Tamera (Sam) Hull, Wendy (Doug) Warr and John James, her brother Irish (Sunny) Adams, her sisters-in-law Dianne Adams, Lauri Adams, Nancy Linder and Julie (Dennis) Moselle, in addition to 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, parents in law, her husband Stephen Virgil James and 2 brothers Frank and Mike Adams.
And now heaven has welcomed our angel Vicki in infinite peace and joy. She is surrounded by loved ones who have gone before and wait for us to return home, where together we will live Happily Ever After.
There will be public viewings held on Wednesday, July 5th from 6:00-8:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, Utah and on Thursday, July 6th from 10:30-11:45am at the South Jordan Stake Center (2450 W. 10400 S. in South Jordan)
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 6th 12:00pm at the South Jordan Stake Center followed by a graveside service at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy.
To view previously held services please click on the link provided https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/9QVp8ksRpLBpNV0vNyN2NCKb_w4Q_q74Aqr9QFYkwD7x9Uq75eS0K6QWHSQCUwol.F6rZ8ziW8orZJFHM?startTime=1688664316000
Sorry to hear about the passing of Vicki. Growing up in the Adams family it was always fun to be around her beautiful smile and her favorite thing to do was to sing at the family gatherings. Love you
Dear Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our dear Vicki. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow we feel for you during this incredibly difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Vicki was truly a remarkable individual, someone whose presence lit up every room and whose warmth touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing Vicki. Her kindness, compassion, and infectious spirit made her a beloved friend to many. We will always cherish the memories we shared together, and her legacy will continue to live on in our hearts.
In times like these, it can be hard to find solace, but we want you to know that you are not alone in your grief. You have a network of family, friends, and loved ones who are here to support you in any way we can. Whether it's lending an ear to listen, sharing stories about Vicki, or simply being a comforting presence, we are here for you.
Remember to take the time you need to grieve and to be kind to yourself throughout this process. It's okay to feel a wide range of emotions, and it's important to allow yourself to experience them fully. If there is anything we can do to help lighten your burden, please do not hesitate to reach out.
May the memories of Vicki bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain alive in the hearts of those who loved her. Please accept our deepest sympathies once again, and know that we are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.
With sincere condolences,
Mike and Doris Gardiner and Family
I know Bard is enjoying visiting with his beautiful cousin, and that he would want to leave your family a condolence along with mine. Bard was so proud of Vickie. He was proud to call her a cousin. I love the musical talent and ability of the ELLIS Reynolds Shipp family. Olea was a very talented pianist. I was so impressed when Bard and I were newlyweds and we held a Hill family reunion and I got to meet you all. I was proud to be a member of the Hill family. I pray that you might find peace and joy in celebrating the life of your mom. I am so grateful for the gospel.
Thinking of you, Steve and Lisa, and your family. My prayers are with you during this tender time. Vickey was always so kind and gracious to me. If she treated me that way, not knowing me terribly well, I can only imagine the current canyon in the hearts of her loved ones. ❤️
Dearest Adams’ and James’ family,
I know there are no words that could even begin to adequately describe the tremendous loss of beautiful Vicki. I love the words written in her obituary that help paint a picture of the amazing person Vicki was, and will take with her in to the next “chapter” of her life! I especially love the part about her smile………boy oh boy does she have a “picture perfect” smile! I will never forget her smiling at me that night, just a few short hours before she passed. That smile lit up the entire room!
Vicki, may you be at peace in the arms of those who have passed on before you, and rest in the care of our Savior.
Steve and Lisa, I truly am a better person for knowing you two incredibly selfless souls, along with your wonderful children! It is my prayer that you feel your Mom/Grandma close by in Spirit, ALWAYS! I know without ANY hesitations, that she loves each one of you, and will do whatever it takes to ensure you know she is with you always! You sure do come from a long line of love!
Our hearts go out to your family at this tender time. I'm sure you will feel her presence as you continue to share the gifts you have from our Heavenly Father that were nurtured under her care and guidance.
Hi Wendy, I’m so saddened by the passing of your beautiful mom. I’m thankful that I got to know her when we both lived in Woodland Hills. I’m so grateful for the times we had together while living there. Diane Gibb told me you moved to Florida for health reasons. I hope you are doing better by living there. You will always be a dear friend of mine. May God bless you and your family always. Love You Always, Carolynn
To The James family.: I will always love and miss your family forever.! We had some wonderful times living as neighbors on Belsaw and Bell castle circles. Our lives have changed We lost your Dad I lost my Melanie Mobley two years ago. She died of diabetes, and kidney troubles. My other family Clinton, Marianne and Michele send our love and deepest sympathy! Take good care of each other. Love Diane Wuthrich