Joseph Murray Adams was born in Philadelphia, the first of three sons of Ellen Sourbeer and Joseph C. Adams. The grandson and great-grandson of Irish, English, and German ancestors, he was raised in the close knit St. Helena neighborhood of Dundalk, Maryland. He is a graduate of St. Rita's School and Dundalk High School, where mentoring by drama teacher Elmer Walker helped him cope with undiagnosed dyslexia, and excel at track, wrestling, swimming, football, and life guarding.

Following employment at Bethlehem Steel, service in the National Guard, a cross-country trip to California on a Vespa, and marriage to fellow Dundalkian Sandra Ludwig, Joe attended Baltimore Community College before graduating from Morgan State University with a degree in sociology. While doing graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, Joe conducted street-level research among drug addicts, helped pioneer the methadone maintenance program Man Alive, and served on the Board of Directors of Friends School and on the Governor's Committee on Drug Addiction. He was active in both the civil rights and peace movements.

Joe took great pride in his son Aaron and daughter Joellen, coaching their sports teams and attending their sports, scholastic, and recreational activities. They were on hand when Joe became involved in competitive running events, often with his brothers Bob and Jim. An original member of the Baltimore Road Runners Club, he was often in the top five in his age group in road races, marathons, and triathlons. He was also an active BRRC volunteer.

When his dyslexia was diagnosed in adulthood, Joe became an active participant in support and education groups for learning disabled children and adults.

He was employed as a research analyst for the state of Maryland, where he continued contract work following his retirement.

He was a self-taught outdoor photographer, with a unique portfolio of original work.

He is survived by his wife, Sandi, son Aaron, daughter Joellen and son-in-law Gary Malstrom, grandchildren Hannah and Hayden Malstrom, brother Jim and sister-in-law Carol Adams, brother Bob and sister-in-law Kay Adams, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Tuesday, November 11 from 10-12 PM. All other services and the interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please remember Joseph with memorial contribution to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation , 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 Attn: Membership Department.

Please remember Joseph by signing his guestbook. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.peacefulalternatives.com.