Joseph Neil Adams, 85, passed away August 30, 2018, in Layton, Utah. He was born February 12, 1933, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Willard and Arberella Adams.

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Joe grew up in Idaho and was an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, teaching swimming lessons, and photography. As a young teen, he was an accomplished musician, aspiring to be a concert pianist. He served in the California Mission from 1955 to 1957. He married Ann Terry on December 20, 1957, in the Idaho Falls temple. Together they have five children. Joe and Ann celebrated their 60th Anniversary last year. His family was his pride and joy and greatest legacy.

Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from BYU. He leveraged these skills as an early pioneer in the computer industry. Joe and his family moved around the country, working for IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY, then back to Control Data in pre-Silicon Valley, Palo Alto. They returned to Idaho where Joe briefly started a computer consulting company. Eventually he went East again to work in Philadelphia and finally ended up in Washington, D.C. at the US Postal Service Headquarters for his last 25 years.

Being raised in Idaho, Joe never forgot his roots. He was VERY proud of Idaho. Yet, his career took him to Maryland and after his 25+ years there, he considered Maryland home. All those he met and loved in Maryland, became part of his “extended” family. He was “Grandpa Joe” to many.

His life’s passion was genealogy and computers. He used his expertise to help develop computerized genealogical research and spent most of his free time searching for his ancestors. His family referred to him as Joe Genealogy!

Joe was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully and with his whole heart throughout his life. He was often the Ward Clerk and the most faithful Home Teacher. His favorite and most passionate calling was as Stake Patriarch in the Suitland, Maryland Stake. He also served as a missionary at the Family History Center in St. George.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Beth, and brother Bill. He is survived by his wife Ann, his children; Thomas Adams, Nola Elizabeth (Tom) Watson, Mary (Ryan) Hammer, J. Newton (Becky) Adams, Christopher (Vaneska) Adams, and brothers, Richard Adams and Allen Graves. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to offer sincere thanks to all of the Angels of Fairfield Village and Encompass Hospice for their care and kindness. He loved every one of you.