Jim Akin

Jim Akin peacefully passed away March 25, 2024 at the age of 93. He is survived by his Sister-In-Law Verna Akin (94), his 5 children – Sharon and Ben Bruehl (Norman, Okla.), Randy Akin (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Teresa and Michael Palpant (Grapevine, TX), 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

In 1951, Jim married Clara Northcutt as he was being drafted into the Army. There, he served as a medic during the Korean War. Upon returning home he started his own business “Akin Radio and Television Repair”. After closing his business, he began working for the FAA at Perrin Airforce Base in Texas, then transferred to Oklahoma City where he retired in 1979 after 24 years of service.

During these years Jim volunteered at the local Baptist Church teaching Training Union classes and helping Clara in the Church nursery. Later he would be active in the Boy Scouts with his son Randy and serve as Scout Master of Randy’s Boy Scout Troup 114 in Oklahoma City.

After retirement, Jim moved to the countryside where he lived alone with his dog. He loved riding his four wheeler with his dog who was always perched in front.

In his elder years, Jim received help from his children who lived close by, Sharon, Ben and Randy which enabled him to continue living alone. Sharon faithfully brought him groceries, homemade meals, took care of his meds and took him to his many Doctor appointments (and more). Ben would make weekly visits and handle farm projects and animals, remodels, etc. Randy would also make weekly visits to handle the maintenance and latest project and repairs around the home and property (Jim loved to do these projects with Randy). (smile)

There are many stories through the years of Jim’s ability to over-come seemingly impossible health issues, surgeries, knee replacements, etc. all while living alone refusing rehab, care-givers, home nurses and therapies. In 2023 at the age of 93, after breaking his leg two different times and in two different places, he still insisted upon living alone. Despite all the odds against him and in a very short period of time, he was back on his four wheeler and tractor living life to the fullest with determination and grit.

Jim enjoyed the times when Teresa and Michael would visit from Texas, stay at his house and share morning coffee and conversation together. However, his most favorite of these times would be later in the day when all of his children would be gathered together around the table with him to share a meal, stories, memories of the past and he could argue about current events. (smile)

He had a great love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always interested in their lives, activities and achievements. He commented frequently on what a wonderful big family he had, then would quickly give all credit to Clara.

Jim lived an amazing life and will be remembered as a generous and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Funeral Services to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Primrose Funeral Service Chapel with interment following at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd from 5-8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.