Joseph G. Adams  1961

Cullum No. 23477-1961 | January 5, 2026 | Died in Austin, TX
Interment: Cremated.

The short caption under Joseph Glen Adams’ picture in the 1961 Howitzer really says it all: “Texas’s favorite son has proved himself to be a natural athlete, an admirable leader, and an inspiring friend.” 

Glen grew up in Ysleta, TX, a barrio annexed by El Paso while Glen was in high school. During those years, in addition to being a star in football, Glen emerged as a student body leader, named to the National Honor Society and serving as a student council officer his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Further, as 50 percent of his high school’s student body spoke Spanish as their first language, Glen distinguished himself as quarterback by calling plays in both English and Spanish. Maybe this explains why he was first man in his section in Spanish at West Point for two years without cracking a book?

Glen’s prowess on the football field helped secure his appointment to West Point, where he played quarterback, running back, defensive back, and punt returner (leading the country in punt returns most of the 1960 season). He earned three Major “A”s for football and two Major “A”s for lacrosse. Glen also continued to show up as a leader, rising to the position of battalion commander (3d Battalion, Second Regiment), then serving as class vice president (2001-11).

Glen loved West Point and was profoundly grateful for all the Academy did to transform his life. He was a humble young man and a true and loyal friend; helping others was always his focus and first priority. This was particularly evident when, prior to landing in El Paso for his firstie trip to Fort Bliss, TX and neighboring areas, Glen advised his classmates regarding where not to go in Juarez, helping them avoid getting into trouble or, worse, arrested, and thereby risking their commission. They were also invited to his family’s home, where Glen’s mother hosted his company to a delicious meal of authentic Mexican food.

After graduating in the top quarter of his class, Glen attended the basic course at the Artillery School, Airborne School, and Ranger School. He was then assigned to the 81st Field Artillery Regiment, 8th Infantry Division in Germany. While serving in Germany, Glen met and married Carole Darlene Grant, an Illinois native teaching in the Army base school.

Following Glen’s tour of duty, the couple returned to the United States in summer 1964. Having decided to pursue a career in law, Glen resigned his commission and was honorably discharged from service on June 10, 1964. Just over a week before Glen started classes at University of Texas School of Law, his eldest daughter, Kimberly, was born. Tragically, Carole died a week later, a result of a previously undiagnosed medical condition.

While attending UT, Glen met fellow law student, Ellen Louise Hendrix. They married in September 1966. Ellen lovingly adopted Kimberly and, over the next few years, their family grew—Kathryn, born in 1968, and Melissa in 1969.

After graduating law school in early 1967, Glen and Ellen lived in Midland, TX briefly and then moved to Dallas. Glen began his career in general practice before switching his focus to corporate law in 1971, serving as general counsel for Electronic Data Systems, then Texas Industries, starting in 1975.

Glen joined Hunt International Resources (HIRCO) in 1981. Both HIRCO and a subsidiary, Great Western Sugar, had fallen prey to market collapses. Glen was hired to liquidate their assets, thus starting the next chapter of his career, specializing in corporate bankruptcy law. Over the years, Glen’s perseverance and integrity earned him the respect of Dallas bankruptcy judges. When Southmark Corp. declared bankruptcy in 1990, the company knew who to call. As CEO, Glen led the disposition of assets. Implementing a strategy informed by years of experience and keen insight, Glen delivered average shareholders three and a half to six and a half times their expected returns.

After resigning all his positions at Southmark in August 1996 and retiring from practicing law, Glen continued to serve as an expert witness and also accepted positions on boards of directors until 2009.

Though he enjoyed many successes during his professional career, Glen did not spend all his time in boardrooms and courtrooms. Throughout the years, when not wearing a business suit, Glen played lacrosse on a newly formed Dallas “club” team and, years later, he and a friend purchased acreage in East Texas—familiarly known as “The Farm”—creating a “weekend getaway” from the hustle and bustle of Dallas corporate life.

After over a decade together, Glen and Ellen divorced. A few years later, Glen married Jeri Allen and, after both retired from their respective careers, they moved from Dallas to Southern California. There, they created treasured memories with family and new and longtime friends. 

In summer 2016, Glen and Jeri returned to Texas, this time settling in Austin, making their home at Longhorn Village in Steiner Ranch.

A short year later, Glen faced the loss and sadness of Jeri’s unexpected passing. Glen remained in the villa they’d shared, then moved to the community’s healthcare facilities in 2023. Throughout those years, Glen enjoyed treasured longtime friendships, as well as new ones developed and nurtured along the way.

Glen will always be remembered for his warm, genuine smile, a hallmark of his engaging personality, as well as for his outstanding leadership and athletic abilities, qualities that won the respect and admiration of everyone he met.

— Family and Classmates