James G. “Garfield” Adams, 86, of Worcester died Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center after a brief illness.

Although known to his family as “James”, most of his friends know him as “Garfield”. He never would explain why he gave his middle name to people outside the family instead of his first name. The name was part of his distinctiveness. He was known as a fastidious dresser who always drove a Cadillac.

He was a security guard for many years at Worcester City Hall before retiring. Not content with retirement, he worked as a security guard at a city bank and at Worcester Art Museum into his early 80s. Mr. Adams was a quiet, generous and unassuming man. He was a member of John Street Baptist Church.

Born in Sterling, Ma., he was the second youngest of 14 children born to Walter and Ethel M. (Ooten) Adams. The family moved to Worcester where he attended school and lived until his death.

His wife, Patricia A. (Hall) Adams, died in 2000 after 40 years of marriage. He is survived by a son, Michael J. Adams and a daughter, Stacey M. Adams of Worcester; a brother, Donald F. Adams of Pawtucket, R.I.; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Brothers John, Walter, Charles, David, Marshall and Joseph; and sisters Emilie, Ethel, Ann, Pauline, Etta and Ada all predeceased him.

A calling hour from 11a.m. to noon and funeral services from noon to 1 p.m. will be held Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.