Jimmy Adkins

Mr. Jimmy Allen Adkins, 80 years of age and a long-time resident of Natchitoches, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018, in Natchitoches.  He was born on October 9, 1937 to Herman and Sadie (Sherill) Adkins in Homer, LA.  Jim went to Northwestern on a basketball scholarship​ and then joined the United States Army through the R.O.T.C program.​ ​ He was a Captain when he completed his military service.  He obtained a Master’s Degree in Education + 31 hours.  He was a teacher and a coach and managed the Games Area at Northwestern.  ​An entrepreneur,​ he​ co-own​ed​ A&A Western Store before selling his portion to his friend and partner Corwyn Aldredge, then going on to own/operate Big Jim's Short Stop Convenience Stores. Jim was involved in several other business ventures through the years.  Through all the many business opportunities he enjoyed, he also had a passion for fast pitch softball  and was well known as “The Shooter”.  He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason following in the footsteps of his beloved father- in- law T.L. Miller. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Jimmy, better known to most as Big Jim, was actively involved in the community for many years. ​Jim​was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Linda Miller Adkins and his parents.​ ​​He is survived by his children, Mark Adkins (Lanie) of Natchitoches, Michael Adkins of Natchitoches, Melinda Adkins Young (Tollie) of Orlando, FL; and a sister, Linda Gayle Adkins Shepherd (Johnny). He was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Lindsay, Samuel, Christopher, Ariel, Hunter, Ben, and Nicole and 4 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Melanie Bedgood and her children Kaitlynn and Hunter. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 2:00 pm in the Cross Roads Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church. The family will be accepting visitors at the Cross Roads Sanctuary from 12:00 until 2:00 on the 21st. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations in Jimmy’s name be made to First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches, 411 2nd St, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or to Shriners Hospital.