James F. “Jim” Akins
September 16th, 1936 - January 19th, 2025
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Jim's Obituary
James F. “Jim” Akins, 88, of Stevensville, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital – St. Joseph.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, January 26, from 1PM until 3PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Jim’s family; c/o Michele Lawson. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jim was born on September 16, 1936 to James & Blanche (Glass) Akins in Hayti, MO. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955. Jim made the decision to fight for this great nation and enlisted in the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge. On December 20, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Diane Boyd, at First Congregational Church in Benton Harbor. The two were happily married for 62 years before her passing in 2021.
Jim had always been a dreamer with larger-than-life ambitions. One of those goals was to record country music in Nashville, which he would do eventually in his life. He was also offered the position of drummer for Mel Tillis during a tour of his, but he turned it down to return home to continue to grow his family. Professional, Jim worked as a factory worker for a few local companies, however his longest employment was held with Cook Nuclear Plant, where he would retire from in his mid 70’s. Following retirement, Jim would lead worship and helped as a past Deacon at First Church of God, volunteered with local jail ministries and he even tried his hand for a while with stand-up comedy. As an avid Bears fan, he loved to cheer on and support the team, even attending a few games with his son. Jim’s incredible personality, humor and mantra of Praise The Lord (which would earn him the nickname of PTL) will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Jim is survived by his children, Brian Akins of St. Joseph, Rodney Akins of St. Joseph, Michele Lawson of Ft. Myers, FL, and Melissa (Derrick) Lemmon of Fredericksburg, VA; grandchildren, Allie (Paul), Josh (Brittany), Sean, Jessica, Aubrey, Ryan, Sarah, Kerry, Brittany, Char; great-grandchildren, Beau, Travis James, Elyse Marie, Derrick, Diana Rose, Amiyah, Ajia, Lucas James, Quinn and Jason James; sisters, Jenny (Bob) Vandewarker & Veda Wright.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James & Blanche Akins; wife, Diane; infant son Johnny James Akins; Grandson Travis Gamel; and siblings, Richard, Denise, Harlin & Jerry.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11AM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, January 26, from 1PM until 3PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Jim’s family; c/o Michele Lawson. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jim was born on September 16, 1936 to James & Blanche (Glass) Akins in Hayti, MO. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955. Jim made the decision to fight for this great nation and enlisted in the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge. On December 20, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Diane Boyd, at First Congregational Church in Benton Harbor. The two were happily married for 62 years before her passing in 2021.
Jim had always been a dreamer with larger-than-life ambitions. One of those goals was to record country music in Nashville, which he would do eventually in his life. He was also offered the position of drummer for Mel Tillis during a tour of his, but he turned it down to return home to continue to grow his family. Professional, Jim worked as a factory worker for a few local companies, however his longest employment was held with Cook Nuclear Plant, where he would retire from in his mid 70’s. Following retirement, Jim would lead worship and helped as a past Deacon at First Church of God, volunteered with local jail ministries and he even tried his hand for a while with stand-up comedy. As an avid Bears fan, he loved to cheer on and support the team, even attending a few games with his son. Jim’s incredible personality, humor and mantra of Praise The Lord (which would earn him the nickname of PTL) will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Jim is survived by his children, Brian Akins of St. Joseph, Rodney Akins of St. Joseph, Michele Lawson of Ft. Myers, FL, and Melissa (Derrick) Lemmon of Fredericksburg, VA; grandchildren, Allie (Paul), Josh (Brittany), Sean, Jessica, Aubrey, Ryan, Sarah, Kerry, Brittany, Char; great-grandchildren, Beau, Travis James, Elyse Marie, Derrick, Diana Rose, Amiyah, Ajia, Lucas James, Quinn and Jason James; sisters, Jenny (Bob) Vandewarker & Veda Wright.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James & Blanche Akins; wife, Diane; infant son Johnny James Akins; Grandson Travis Gamel; and siblings, Richard, Denise, Harlin & Jerry.
Memorial Contributions
To the Akins family; payable to Michele Lawson
Service Details
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