Jess Adair

Jess Eugene Adair, son of Julius K. and Eula F. Edmiston Adair, was born on July 29, 1923 in Piney, OK and passed from this life on Friday, February 7, 2014 in Stilwell, OK at the age of 90 years old.

Jess grew up in the Piney community in one of the oldest homes in Adair County. His family had traveled by Conestoga wagon from Adairsville, GA to Indian Territory in 1868 where they lived in the preCivil War homestead until 2011.

Jesss family came from a farming and lumber milling background. They farmed in the summer months and cut timber during the winter months. Lumber was cut at their family mill and was used to contribute to the early construction of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Jess was a very private person, but cherished the friendships he made during his lifetime. He worked at Fletcher Hardware in Stilwell for 22 years, enjoying the opportunities he shared with his Cherokee friends. He was truly proud of his Native American heritage and learned to communicate in Cherokee.
Jess was preceded in death by his parents: Julius and Eula Adair daughter: Mary Kathryn Adair brothers: John, Kimsey, Connie, Chester and Denver Adair sisters: Hazel Grooms, Helen Blakemore and Virginia Dowell.

He is survived by his wife: Marjorie Louise Adair of the home in Stilwell, OK sons: Larry Adair and wife Jan of Stilwell, Joe Adair and wife Kathy of Tahlequah, OK granddaughter: Anesa Hooper and husband Jerry of Park Hill, OK grandsons: Carter Adair of Atlanta, GA, Ryan Adair of Tahlequah, Jason Adair of Miami, OK great grandchildren: Sydney Hooper, Kelsey Hooper and Madison Adair.

He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.


Graveside services were held at 2 pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Oak Grove Cemetery, Stilwell, Oklahoma with Bro. Charles W Crozier officiating. Interment followed under the direction of RobertsReedCulver Funeral Home.