Nationwide — Clemmie Adams, a 90-year-old African American man from Jackson, Georgia, continues working as a city custodian after more than 50 years of service. He still reports to his job at Jackson Square daily, where he helps keep the public space clean and orderly.
Adams said the job still gives him purpose each day. “My job is important to me. When I wake up in the morning, I get up, looking forward to coming to work and do my job,” Adams told 11Alive.
Most days, he walks through Jackson Square and nearby areas checking the grounds. He picks up litter and makes sure the space stays clean, often going beyond his scheduled duties.
City of Jackson Mayor Carlos Duffey says Adams has stayed steady since he started on March 1, 1972. He points to Adams’ long record of showing up and doing the work without change in effort or attitude.
“Just showing up every day to do the job and giving a great effort,” Duffey said. “Understanding the value of commitment, you’re hired to do a thing, and you do it to the best of your ability. And just that commitment to excellence. He is committed to that place of excellence. If you walk around that square, you’ll see it. His handprints are all over the cleanliness of our city.”
Adams said he sees every job as something shaped by attitude and effort. He explained that he always tries to do his work well and take pride in whatever task he is given.
“A job is what you make out of it. You can make ’em good, you can make ’em bad, and I always try to make mine good,” he said.
Even at 90, Adams has no plans to retire. He says work keeps him active and connected to the people in his community. He said, “I would get lonely if I didn’t come to work. Well, we get along good, and people like me good.”