James Carl Akins

On December 17, 2023, James Carl Akins took his final steps in a wonderful life surrounded by a loving family. James was born to Alva Akins and Lura Mae Dobbs Akins on June 23, 1941 in Harrah, Oklahoma.

James would go onto graduate from Capitol Hill High School where at the time he was living with his brother and sister-in-law. Once he graduated he would dedicate three years of his life to the U.S. Army, which he considered the first major choice in his life that was the right one. During his career in the military, James would spend time in places such as Seattle and Tacoma in Air Defense Command. He would then go on a remote tour in Alaska where he would serve his country against the Soviet Union, after Francis Gary Power’s spy plane was shot down in the Soviet Union. After his service, James would work briefly in the oil fields near Hobbs, New Mexico and Odessa, Texas where he had a close encounter with the toxic gas of the Permian basin, which would be an experience that would make him fearless against death. He would later become a professional level librarian at Eastern New Mexico University for 21 years of his life and would retire in June of 2009.

After Alaska, James would spend a couple years in El Paso where James would make his second correct major life choice. He would meet the love of his life Sylvia Davis, where they would spend 33 beautiful years together. During their time together, they unfortunately would lose two children in infancy, but would be blessed with adopted twins and go on to be loving grandparents.

James is preceded in death by his parents Alva Akins and Lura Mae Dobbs, his wife, Sylvia Davis, his children, Jamie Akins and Timmy Akins, his brother, Alva Akins Jr., and by his sisters Virginia and Jean. He is survived by his son Mark Akins, and their spouse Carmen, his daughter Marla Bonham and their spouse Alan, his grandchildren Corrie Akins, McKinley Powell and their spouse Katelynn, Samantha Bonham and their spouse Jeffery, Brandon Akins, Hunter Powell and their spouse Shania, his great grandchildren, Vivienne Akins and Ryker Powell.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27th at 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral will be held Thursday, December 28th at 10 a.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with interment with Military Honors following at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.

Messages can be left for the family at www.ChapelHill-OKC.com

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27th at 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral will be held Thursday, December 28th at 10 a.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with interment with Military Honors following at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.

Messages can be left for the family at www.ChapelHill-OKC.com