Joe Adams Sr. was born Dec. 16, 1955, in Ely, Nevada, to Don and Carma Adams. He was the youngest of seven children. When he was very young, his family moved to Pioche, and he spent much of his childhood at the Geyser Ranch with his dad. His father died in a car accident when Joe was 11. The family initially planned to hold the funeral on Joe’s 12th birthday, but he “threw a fit,” so it was held the following day.
Joe was an outstanding athlete in high school, participating in football, basketball and track. He won several awards for his athletic abilities and especially enjoyed hanging out with his best friend, Wendell Cowart.
He took care of his eldest brother, Mike, who was paralyzed from the waist down due to a surgical error. Joe and Mike were very close—Joe cooked for him and helped with all his needs. Joe was heartbroken when Mike died in the summer of 1973, shortly after Joe graduated from high school.
Joe began dating the love of his life, Teresa, in the spring of 1974. They started “going steady” on May 5, 1974, got engaged on May 28, 1975, and were married exactly one year later. In 1977, they welcomed their first child. In 1978, they experienced a late-term pregnancy loss, and later named the baby Sara. Four more children followed in quick succession: Mike, Nick, Joe Jr., and Tracy, born between 1980 and 1985.
Though the early years were tough, they were also filled with joy. Their children have fond memories of a close and loving family and a father who taught them so much. They grew to love and appreciate the sacrifices their parents made for them.
Joe began working in the mines around Pioche as a teenager. After marrying Teresa, they moved to Wyoming, where Joe continued mining for several years. They later moved to Tonopah, where Joe trained as an EMT, earning certification as an EMT 2, First Responder, and CPR instructor. This marked the start of his long and rewarding career as a safety professional.
In 1984, the family relocated to Fallon. Joe worked as a laborer and safety director while attending community college, where he earned an associate degree. At this first official safety job, coworkers called him “Doc” because he was always ready with a first aid kit. Joe also coached soccer and served as AYSO Soccer Commissioner for a time.
In 1990, the family moved to Gerlach, where Joe served as Safety Manager for Hog Ranch Mine. He worked with his best friend, General Manager Butch Moore. During that time, Joe also coached high school boys’ basketball. He loved being a coach and he loved the boys on his team.
In 2008, Joe was appointed to the Nevada OSHA Review Board. He served the maximum term of eight years and was chairman for six. Fred Scarpello, the attorney who supervised the board, was very fond of Joe, and they remained close friends until Joe’s passing.
The family returned to Fallon, later moved to Reno, and eventually settled back in Fallon, where Joe preferred the country lifestyle. He enjoyed gardening, raising animals, hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He attended as many of his grandchildren’s sporting events as possible. His last outing was to watch his grandson Zack play baseball.
Joe officially retired on March 28, 2025, after a long career in safety. He was instrumental in saving lives and preventing injuries through education and training. Though saddened to leave his job at RHP, health concerns made it necessary. Joe worked for his longtime friend Eric Scolari, whom he first met in 1995. He was proud to work for someone who shared his passion for safety and worker well-being.
Joe died April 29, 2025, following two weeks of in-home hospice care. That time was filled with visits from family and friends. Joe shared stories of his life and his immense love for his family. He was deeply proud of his children, who he often said had turned into wonderful human beings.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Teresa; children Mike (Melissa), Nick (Tara), Joe Jr., and Tracy; and 10 grandchildren: David, Haelie, Trinity, Bryce, Hunter, Zack, Trista, Keira, Lincoln and Carson. He also leaves behind many dear friends.
Joe lived a life anyone would be proud of. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He served his community by promoting safety and coaching youth sports. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
A private memorial service was held May 10.
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