Christopher Adams

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Christopher Adams was the heartbeat of the world around him. He was an adventurous free spirit who was game to try nearly anything at least once. Christopher was happy, fun, and fearless in everything he did, and as his family and friends can attest life was anything but boring when he was around. If it had wheels, he would most likely ride it - and the faster the better as far as Christopher was concerned. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories he leaves behind will remain lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1990s were decade unlike any other. Technology was exploding, new music genres like hip hop were becoming part of our culture, and the economy was booming. The World Wide Web was born in 1992 while names like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were known the world over. Amidst this transitional time was the year 1994 when a young couple from Parchment, Michigan, was eagerly awaiting the birth of their second child. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Christopher Lee was born on October 27th. He was the younger of two boys born to his parents, Robert and Tyria (Ratliff) Adams, and he was raised in the family home alongside his older brother, Josh. Christopher’s parents were enamored with him, and they were so grateful for their easy baby who was constantly happy and always seemed to be smiling.

For the most part Christopher experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. In the blink of an eye he went from a good and content baby to a rough and tough toddler who was ready to take on the world and never looked back. Chris tried soccer first, but he was sold on football from the first time he played. He went on to play center and linebacker for Parchment schools.

As a free spirit who couldn’t get enough of the world around him, in 2013 Chris earned his degree from Barclay Alternative High School where he thrived at being able to learn in an atmosphere that was less structured than at the average school. It was also while he was more advanced in his high school years that Christopher began helping his parents in their business, Adams Heating & Cooling. It was a great fit for him there as he enjoyed the more flexible schedule that allowed him to get outside when he wanted to.

Throughout his life Chris was always on the go and didn’t like sitting still. He loved riding his bike, often with his brother. If it wasn’t a bike, Chris was on a motorcycle, go kart, or four wheeler. A stranger to none and a friend to all, he was outgoing with everyone and had numerous friends. Chris played softball with his church and practiced Parkour exercises. In addition to hanging out with his friends, he liked having fun with his family. Together they took several vacations as they saw the beauty of Mexico, learned to snow ski in Lake Tahoe, and enjoyed the endless beaches in Hawaii.

The life of the party wherever he went, Christopher Adams was a blessing in the lives of those around him. He was always happy, and with a fantastic sense of humor he was forever making everyone around him laugh and smile. Accompanied by a contagious zest for life, Chris wasn’t afraid to do this his own way and in his own time. With a bright future ahead of him, he was emerging into a young man who was showing amazing potential. Chris will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those too numerous to count.

Christopher L. Adams, of Kalamazoo, died at Borgess Medical Center on July 23, 2014. Visit with his family on Monday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane where a service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Chris is survived by his parents Rob & Tyria; brother, Josh; maternal grandparents, Steve & Sue Ratliff; paternal grandparents, Richard Adams and Carol Adams; uncles, Mark (Lisa) Ratliff and John Adams; and his cousins Victoria & Nicholas. Please visit Christopher’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Pretty Lake Vacation Camp.