Funeral Services: 2PM Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Please note limited seating will be available.
For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed. Click Here to View the Live Stream.
Visitation will follow the service. Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.
James W. Adair, 86, of Lacy Lakeview, passed away Monday, November 9, 2020. Jim was born October 26, 1934 in Abbott, TX to Howard and Viola (May) Adair. He attended schools in Abbott, graduating in 1953. Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree from Baylor University in 1957 and his Masters in Education Administration from University of North Texas in 1971. Jim then started a long career as a caring educator, coach, and school administrator including, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. His education tenure spans from 1957-1968 for Salado ISD, 1968-1972 for Midlothian ISD, 1972-1977 for Desoto ISD, and 1977-1986 for Connally ISD, retiring after twenty-eight years of education administration.
He married Elizabeth “Betty” McCoy on August 12, 1978 in Waco and had 42 beautiful years of marriage together.
He was a member of Texas Retired Teachers Association, Baylor Alumni Association, Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas Association of School Administrators. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Elm Mott.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Doris Adair Thrasher and husband Rufus Thrasher.
—
Elizabeth “Betty” Adair, 78, of Lacy Lakeview, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020. Betty was born July 23, 1942 in Paris, TX to Harry and Frances (Nail) Walker. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1960. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Arlington State University (UTA) in 1963. Betty taught school in Uvalde, Ponca City, OK, Waco Midway and Connally, retiring in 1997 after 33 years of teaching.
She married Jim Adair on August 12, 1978 in Waco and had 42 beautiful years of marriage together.
She was a member of Texas Retired Teachers Association and First Baptist Church in Elm Mott.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Phillip McCoy; and brothers, Harry Walker and Bill Walker.
—
Survivors include their children, Darla Herring and husband, Skipper, Wrey McCoy and wife Rhonda, and Daryl Adair; grandchildren, Ashley & (Israel) Ortiz, Savannah Davidson, Ethan & (Amber) McCoy, Colton Davidson, Tara McCoy, Connor Davidson, Kaitlyn Adair, Shelby Adair, Jessica McCoy, Daryl Ray Adair, Reilly Adair, and Darylin Adair; great granddaughters, Lily Grace Ortiz and baby on the way, and Betty’s sisters-in-law, Barbara Morris and Myrna Walker; several nieces and a nephew, and a host of other relatives; and many friends, fellow educators, and former students.
The family would like to acknowledge a special Thank you to Beth Reed for her love, continuous care and support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Jim), American Heart Association (Betty) or Fuzzy Friends Rescue.
“Our precious and loving parents passed away within 3 days of each other and they will be missed by many. They had incredible careers as educators; Betty as a loved and well respected teacher, and Jim as a teacher, coach, and administrator. They touched many lives, not just ours, but also their students and co-workers. Their legacy will live on for years to come. We take comfort in knowing that Jim and Betty are now resting together in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Darla, Wrey, and Daryl,
I am so sorry to hear of your losses. So much to grieve all at once. You and your families are in my prayers!
– Kristen Koepf Ray
Thank you, Kristen. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Jim and Betty devoted their lives to educating children. Jim was an great teacher and administrator. Betty was the best high school English teacher I ever worked around. They both set high standards for their students, but both were always willing to provide encouragement and support for those who needed it. I am sorry for their families lost, but I know both went on to their reward in heaven.
Thank you, Dr. Hancock. Thank you for remembering our parents so kindly. We know that they made an impact on so many lives. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
I was one of the hundreds of lives they touched at Connally. So many of my memories of my senior year (1984) include Mrs. Adair. To their family, thank you for sharing them with so many kids over the years. Our prayers are with you.
Thank you, Tonya. It really it so nice to hear good things from so many of mom’s former students. She did love students, and she loved her job. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Darla, my husband, Randall Hill, coached with your dad in Midlothian. I remember you as a pretty young girl. I am so sorry to hear about the death of your dad. He was a great guy.
Thank you, Sandra, for sharing this memory.
-Wrey McCoy
Wrey and family, I am so sorry for your loss, but so proud that you got to witness this 42 year love story between these two. I remember Mrs. Adair guiding me through Beowulf, teaching me how to create an outline, and always having high expectations which challenged me to do my very best. She was a great teacher.
Thank you, Tanya. Thank you for sharing your kind memories of mom.
-Wrey McCoy
Prayers to your family. May you find peace during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful teacher – I had her in English and she made an impact on me and one of the few teachers I remember that I enjoyed. God bless her and bless your family. 🙏🙏
Thank you, Carmen. It is so great to hear kind words from her former students. She did love her students, and she loved teaching. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Adair family – I am so very sorry for your loss! Mrs. Adair was an amazing teacher!!! Her love for her students was definitely noticed. She definitely loved being an educator. My thoughts and prayers are with y’all!
Cassidy Ferrill – Bruce
Class of ‘96
Thank you, Cassidy, for these kind words about mom. She did love her students, and she loved teaching. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Such a great loss of two special people. I have so many good memories of times spent with Betty and Jim, spreading over more than 40 years. I remember so many ballgames we attended together, camping, visiting in each other’s homes, sharing Christmas Eve, special times at church, and so much more. After James passed away, they would invite me to go out to eat with them. I am so sorry for your loss. I love your family.
Thank you, Mrs. Whaley. I know that my parents loved you and your family as well. Thank you for beings such a dear friend to them for all of these years. So many great memories.
-Wrey McCoy
I had Betty for English my senior year at Connally and loved her! She was such an awesome teacher. My condolences go out to their family!
Thank you, Carol. Mom really loved her students. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Darla, Wrey and Daryl,
I am so sorry for the loss of Jim and Betty. It is a loss felt by so many of us, as they touched the lives of so many students, parents and coworkers through the years. They left a legacy that will live on not only through you, but through all of the lives they touched throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you during this time of grieving. May the Lord bring you comfort today and in the days and weeks to come. God bless you all! 🙏
Thank you, Nancy. Mom and dad certainly did touch many lives. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Wrey, I’m so sorry for your loss! Your mom was an awesome teacher! I do remember getting on her good side by bringing a package of M&M’ s to her before class. Prayers for you and your family!!
Thank you, Cindy. Mom loved her students. Thank you for making me smile with the reminder about the M&Ms. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
I am so sorry for the loss of both Jim and Betty. I had the privilege of her teaching my Senior English class at Connally High School. I also went into education and consider her a role model for all teachers. My prayers of strength and comfort go up tonight.
Tammy Johnson Barrack
Class of 1994
Thank you, Tammy. Thanks for sharing such high praise for mom. She did love her students, and she did love teaching. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
Our prayers and condolences to the Adair family. Jim and Betty were both excellent educators, always willing to listen and help students in need. God bless them. George and Grace Banda.
Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Banda. Your kind words and prayers are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
To the Ray Allen McCoy Family,
Please know that you and yours are all in our prayers.
So wish we could be there.
Love, MeMaw and Aunt Linda
I have such wonderful and fond memories of Mrs. Adair and consider her one of my best and favorite teachers. I consider myself blessed to have had her play such an important role in my education. I also have fond memories of Mr. Adair as well. My heart aches with their loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I hope that their being together will provide their loved ones some peace and comfort.
Thank you, Jill, for sharing your memories of our parents. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.
-Wrey McCoy
I coached with him at Salado. He was a big part of my life and coaching career. He was a good friend and fellow coach. We shared many memorable moments. I admired him so much. Although I didn’t see him much in recent years, I will miss him very much. Will always miss him. Rest in peace good buddy.
Thank you, Mr. Craft, for sharing your fond memories of dad.
-Wrey McCoy