Today, September 11, I would like to remember John for his leadership at St. Vincent's on that terrible day in 2001. I arrived at the hospital out of breath, scared, unsure what to do. There he was, calm, in a room full of anxious physicians, the first to raise his hand and volunteer, encouraging others from Community Medicine to join him at O'Toole outpatient clinic to be there for our own patients. He looked me in the eye and said "I am right across the street if you need me" - being a senior resident I stayed in the PACU the next 12 hours caring for sick patients coming directly from the site. Those words meant the world. It was a day that changed us all forever, and I could not have made it without his steady wisdom and guidance, and knowing he was there. Others have described him much better - I can only say that Dr. John McAdam taught me everything I know about being a St. Vincent's physician. He was there on my first day and on every day since. Whatever John did I tried and still try to emulate, whether as a doctor, colleague, friend, patient or family member. I am so proud to still serve Community Medicine through its many challenges and changes. Though no one can take his place as a pillar of our program, his chair at the Woodstock Hotel clinic in Times Square is still kept warm and his notes in that famous tidy handwriting (blue ink!) remain forever in our paper charts. It is an honor to keep the faith and mission that he so exemplified and pass along the values we share: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence. John always did everything with excellence and with love, he gave his all and lived with joy. Rest in peace til we meet again, thank you John from the bottom of my heart. My condolences and love to you all. Mira Batra, MD, Community Medicine Program, NYU Brooklyn Family Health Centers, and St. Vincent's Community Medicine Program, internal medicine - primary care track graduate, 2002.

John was a lovely man, who I met at Sunrise, while visiting my dad, Jack. John was a very good friend to my dad, he was caring and keep me posted on how my dad was doing. I always enjoyed talking with John. I know my dad, misses seeing John, across the dining table at each meal. He is very much missed. Gail Peach and Jack Tilford

I want to thank everyone who made a donation to the World Central Kitchen in John's memory. The organization responds quickly to people dealing with disasters all over the world, whether the war in Ukraine, the earthquake in Turkey, the hurricane in Haiti. Caring for people in need meant a lot to John. Thank you.

I want to echo Kathy's appreciation for the posts from John's coworkers. He talked about his work and his coworkers a lot, but not really about himself. I am so grateful to learn more about John from their perspective. I also want to thank everyone for all the kind expressions of affection - so many who attended the wake, the cards, phone calls, and posts. As I've said, he would be surprised and a little embarrassed by all the attention. He was so accomplished and appreciated, but yet so humble. You left us much too soon, John!

Hello, this is John's sister Kathy. I am especially touched by all of the thoughtful, beautiful messages of condolence posted here by John's coworkers. Thank you all for taking the time to write them. We knew John to be such a kind, generous, funny, interesting guy, and it's great to see that he brought all of those wonderful qualities to his work. Thank you again...these remembrances mean so much!

My deepest condolences to the McAdam family, friends and Jane. I have known, Dr. John McAdam for over 40 years. He was an extraordinary man, father, friend, doctor, leader and colleague. He adored and treasured his children. Dr. John McAdam was the Director of the primary care residency programs at both St. Vincent and Lutheran Family Center. He taught future physicians on how to deliver high quality and compassionate care to underserved and homeless persons. Many of his students admired and emulated him. He was also the Medical Director of a Health Center at Lutheran Family Health Center. While at St. Vincent, he was the point person for the Department of Health for the reduction of Tuberculosis disease and infection the shelter system, I called him the Guru of Tuberculosis treatment. He was humble, kind, smart, witty and giving to everyone who crossed his path. So many memories and stories about him. I treasured my lunch with him and Jane in 2019. He will be missed. Rest in peace our beloved John.

"...and the last shall be first" ... That is what comes to mind when I think of John McAdam. I think it's a Bible quote. Like John, I went to Catholic school so this sentiment probably did sink in!! John was the most kind, soft spoken and self-effacing person I have ever known. Clearly for John, everyone and everything else came first. His children, his entire family, Jane, his patients, his work, his friends...those were his beloved priorities. John had the patience of a Saint. And Social Justice was his middle name. At Saint Vincent's (SVH) we affectionately called it his "nun effect". John and I worked closely together for 10 years at SVH Department of Community Medicine. We were part of an outreach medical team caring for the most vulnerable patients at the West Side Cluster for Homeless Women and at the Chelsea Satellite Clinic. John was an amazing physician...he embodied a perfect balance of brilliant, scientific rigor and the delicate art of compassion. He was utterly beloved by patients ( such as Minnie and Susan ) and team members alike ( such as Bill, Bob, and Brenda ). John was a wonderful friend. We shared a certain political bent. At SVH he was our "early adopter - techie" giving us a glimpse into the computer world we would soon inhabit. He was always with the camera!! Lot's of cameras!! His photographs will be part of his legacy. Fond memories come to mind whenever I think of John...the Lab Atrocity Log, Phil Collins, Sushi, The White Horse Tavern, and "...so you think you're a doctor "... to name but a few. Most of all I will remember the laughter!! John's gallows humor kept us all laughing when we thought we should cry. We kept in touch throughout the years as our respective lives evolved...but I always thought I would see him again. I'm so sad to hear of his passing. At this difficult time, may I extend sincere sympathies and condolences to John's entire family, especially to Meaghan, Sean and Christopher, and to his beloved Jane. And to John, Rest in Peace my friend...after all that soaking of feet, I think I know where you are!!

It has been an honor to care for John at Sunrise of Huntington this past year. John not only fought against the odds to regain his strength and push his physical limits, but he was also a friend to all and an advocate for those who needed him. His kindness, optimism and compassion are unmatched and he will be missed greatly.

I met John over 40 years ago in 1983 when I joined the Department of Community Medicine as a nurse in the SRO/Homeless Program. He was finishing his residency in Medicine at the time and soon joined the department afterwards. John was one of the smartest and kindest physician I ever worked with. He was always willing to go the extra mile to make sure his homeless patients were getting the services they needed. Compassionate to a fault he often put himself out to help others. But John had a wonderful sense of humor too, often with an ironic or roguish bent. He initiated our weekly "post clinic conference" at the White Horse Tavern, a much anticipated respite after a long clinic day. John loved science and computers and I purchased my first laptop from him. Back then knowing DOS was essential in those pre-Windows days and I learned a lot from hearing him talk lovingly about operating systems, hard drives and megabytes. John was also passionate about photography and had a large collection of cameras both vintage and modern and advised me on buying my first digital camera. He had an artist's view of his surroundings and took beautiful, innovative photos, never shying away from exploring new techniques. He was truly a Renaissance man and much beloved by all who knew him. I am so devastated at John's passing and am so sorry I cannot attend the funeral in person. My condolences to his family and loved ones at this very sad time.

Dear John, I miss you. You were the best human I ever knew - the kindest, most patient, most humble, and utterly without guile. I am so grateful that we had the last 9 years together. Even as your physical condition declined, you never lost your appreciation and gratitude for everything - your family and friends, your work and coworkers, and me. I miss you, John.

Some of the best days of my nursing career were spent at Saint Vincents Hospital, working in the community medicine department. I remember John as one of the central figures that held the department up to the highest standards, while serving the poor and homeless in our care. I send my deepest condolences to his loved, ones, friends and family. As I am sure you know, John made a huge difference in the lives of so many. May you take comfort in those wonderful memories and may John rest in peace. Paula (Elich) Crabb SVH LTHHCP

Dear Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Deanna Diaz

My name is Phoebe Hahn, and I'm John's niece (his sister Kathy's daughter). John was an incredible uncle. He was also a wonderful and loving son, brother, companion, father, soon to be father-in-law, and friend to many. My mom has told me many stories from her childhood, and told me that John was the most intellectual and well-behaved McAdam son. He loved his beer, and during a party many years ago, I accidentally took a sip of his beer, and immediately spat it out since it tasted so gross. John then asked, "What are doing with my beer?." John, we will all feel you there in spirit at Lara and Chris' wedding. But you will still become a father-in-law that Lara will adore. John, I will miss you and love you forever. But I am happy knowing that you have been reunited with Dave and Grandma. We will always carry on your memory.

My deepest condolences to John's family at this difficult time of loss. I worked with John at St. Vincent's Hospital back in the day and remember him as a kind and generous person. You are all in my thoughts and I wish you peace.

My uncle John was a loving and devoted father, doctor, and uncle. He paved the way for the McAdam children. He raised the bar as the first child, so high he became a doctor. My grandmother Renee would always say that we (as a family) would all get to heaven on John's coat tails, and I truly believe that. Sean, Chris, and Meaghan- not only are we bonded by love and family, but we have experienced losing a parent too soon. Your dad lives on through each of you and the memories we share. My uncle John loved photography and cameras. He captured some of the most beautiful memories of our family, photos that I will always cherish- and many of his pictures are displayed in our homes. I would like to share my gratitude and memory of my uncle. For those who know the 5 McAdam siblings, John and my father Dave could not be more opposite. John was the oldest son, my dad the youngest. John was a scholar, academic, and enjoyed making model planes. Dave was athletic, physical, and was so proud he never needed glasses because he never read. I loved my uncle but it was in my personal darkest moment that I experienced his intellect, compassion, and unconditional love. When my father was diagnosed with leukemia and he had to select his medical proxy- it was John without question (he did not even consider me or my mom- not even a pause.) My uncle was the strongest support system for my mom and I. He lead us through this time as my family, aunts and uncles, and cousins came together surrounding us with love and support. I will always be grateful to my uncle for this time when we needed to lean on him and when he was strong for us. I take comfort in knowing that my uncle and dad are together again and embracing, laughing, and most definitely toasting with a Budweiser. I love you uncle John xoxo.

To~ Sean, Chris, Meaghan, Pat, All of the McAdams, and Dear Jane~ I send my love and caring thoughts . I feel fortunate to have met John at family gatherings~ a special eldest sibling . John's gentle kind presence , quiet strength and the important work he did has made a positive difference in our world. His Legacy lives on through the lives he has touched. I know Charlie is a Proud Patriarch of his Beautiful Family. I am sorry for your loss.~ Beth Dell

John was a classmate once upon a time. He was very kind and bright. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace John. 💙

Condolences on behalf of Sean McAdam's coworkers. We are saddened for your loss and our prayers are with you.

Jane, I cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Although we had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with him for one brief weekend, we knew you had a winner. He was kind, thoughtful and thought the world of you. What more can one ask? Only that God, in his mercy will bring him Home that we may one day see him again! Yuu are in my prayers. Michael Weisbrod

Our sincere condolences. John had many wonderful attributes but his kindness, intelligence, humility and desire to serve others is what we will remember the most. In recent years, he handled his own illness and circumstances with such grace. May happy memories bring comfort to all who grieve for him at this very sad time. Anne & John Maloney Dallas, TX

My brother John was one of the kindest, gentlest, funniest people a person could have the privilege to know. He made such a significant contribution to humanity through his work, and felt honored to be called on to do so. We five siblings were so close as kids, and remained so. We are gifted with many wonderful memories to reflect on. (Apologies Dad, for ending that sentence with a preposition.) Goodspeed, brother. You are incredibly loved, and will always be remembered. Peace to you. Kathy

John was one of the Kindest Man I have every met. His patients and Friends were lucky to have him. He always looked out for others. Rest in peace.