James Cantwell Adamson passed away November 4, 2015 and Rita Marie (Ruffolo) Adamson passed away November 3, 2015. Married June 24, 1961, both were born in Kenosha, WI- James in 1935 and Rita in 1938. They graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School. James achieved a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University and Rita completed a Bachelors of Education from Dominican College.
After serving in the US Army as an engineer he worked at the American Motors Company from 1959-1987. He continued to work with Renault and Chrysler, and eventually worked as a contract advisor in the automotive industry. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, The Elks and The Shamrock Club. He audited many classes at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. From International Languages to Celtic Studies to Fencing, he was always interested in the exploration of knowledge. Rita was a volunteer at the Racine-based Toys for Tots for many years, and was dedicated to providing under-privileged children with special holiday gifts. She was also an excellent crafter and seamstress.
They are survived by their children: Michael (Carol) Adamson of CA; Paula (John) Siok of WA; Gregory Adamson of WA; Patrick (Marie) Adamson of CA; and Margaret (Juris) Milestone of PA. They are survived by their 11 grandchildren: Ryan (Amanda) Siok, Collin Siok, Taylor
Siok, Aleksander Siok, Rachel Adamson, Samuel Adamson, Emma Adamson, Olivia Adamson, Lucin Milestone, Helike Milestone and Macsen Milestone. Their siblings also survive them: Harry (Patricia) Adamson; Wayne (Nancy) Adamson; Mary Hughes; Gerald (Sharon) Ruffolo and Maryanne (Donald) Otter. They have 18 nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by their infant daughter, Catherine, and their parents, Harry and Esther Adamson, and Achille and Pauline Ruffolo. They had a deep connection with their Catholic faith as well as their ancestry, and for many years researched connections to those who came before them, and those who are part of their contemporary lineages.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday November 13th 2015 at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Kenosha. (1919-54th street) Visitation with the family will be on Friday at the church from 9:00AM until the time of mass. Burial for both will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials would be appreciated to Tex Reynolds Toys for Tots. (Racine County)