Champaign, Illinois - John P Adams 62 of Champaign, passed away at 2:20pm Friday September 1, 2023, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

He was born May 26, 1961, in Paxton, Illinois to Mary Ann Lich and Paul Barsteika, and later adopted by Leslie Adams. John married the love of his life Kelly Butcher on May 9, 1987 in Danville, Illinois, Kelly survives as well as his mother Mary Ann Pipes of Canton, Georgia, one brother in law Todd (Debbie) Butcher of Oakwood, one sister in law Susan (Brad) Strickler of Virden, Illinois, stepmother Minnie Barsteika of Williamsport, Indiana, two half-brothers, Marcus (Nicole) Barsteika, Mike (Erin) Barsteika Illinois, Kyle (Cheyenne) Butcher and their son Luca of Catlin, Illinois, whom he was close to, several other nephews, a niece, great nephews and niece, and two cats Maggie and Bailey.

John was introduced to slot car racing at a very early age. He loved to disassemble things to see how they work and put them back together. In 1988 he hired by Horizon Hobby and his current position was Technical Director. Radio control was not only his job but his passion. He not only loved building planes, gliders, jets, helicopters, cars, and buggies but racing them. You would find him at local, national, and international events winning championships, as well as, qualifying for the world championships in Sweden. Even when he was racing, he liked to interact with the people. He made many friends.

John held several patents, one that included the development of Spektrum radios. His most recent project was the Losi PromotoMX. The patent is currently pending for the control system.

His other hobbies included mountain biking, golf, archery and competition air rifles, rifles, and pistols. John was a very accomplished man. John earned a Masters certification in high power rifles and Expert in outdoor conventional pistols with the National Rifle Association as well as qualifying to shoot in the Olympic trials in Georgia. During high school John earned a state title in archery. On the weekends when he was not at the flying field, racetrack, or gun range, you could find John and Kelly watching or attending Formula one, Moto GP, Super Cross, NASCAR and NHRA drag racing events.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Robison Chapel in Catlin Pastor Miles Clark to officiate. A burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery at Oakwood, Illinois. Visitation is from 10am until service time on Thursday at Robison Chapel. Memorials to the Champaign County Humane Society. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.