Jim Askins

Jim Askins of Pittsburg, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born on March 7, 1942, to Merle and Helen (Cooper) Askins, in Pittsburg, Kansas. He graduated from Pittsburg High School with the Class of 1960, where he was proud to be a Purple Dragon.
Upon graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and began working for his dad in their family-owned construction business. Following Merle's death, Jim became owner of Askins Construction Company. Jim was a highly respected member of the Pittsburg community, known for his strong work ethic and unwavering attention to detail. He built more than homes and buildings – he built a legacy of honesty, integrity, and trust. Following many years in the construction business, Jim became Facilities Manager at Miller's Professional Imaging, a position he held until retiring in 2022. He cherished all the people he worked with at Miller's and took great pride in the company's growth and expansion over the years.
On June 8, 1963, he married Mary Keegan, his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg.
Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home, three daughters: Kathy (Craig) Wilbert, Julie (Pat) Cedeno, and Amy (Shane) Kannarr, all of Pittsburg; nine grandchildren: Ashley Wilbert, Shelby (Bob) Eberling, and Connor (Aspen) Wilbert, Taylor Cedeno, Christian (Paige) Cedeno, Ryan (Maddy) Cedeno, Delaney (Jack) Tenbrink, Sydney Kannarr and Brody (Dalanie Meek) Kannarr; five great-grandchildren: Wesley Eberling, Maeve Wilbert, Mac and Jordie Cedeno, and Jameson Kannarr.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his granddaughter, Payton Kannarr. His greatest joy was being their Papa and he was their number one fan.
He was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish, serving on various committees for the parish and school. His hobbies included, Thursday night bowling league, golfing with family and friends, working in his yard and landscaping, photography, and working in his woodshop. He also enjoyed attending all his grandchildren's activities. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, a Royals baseball fan, and supported the Pitt State Gorillas. His days were brightened by the love and loyalty of his little dog, Cookie.
A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday (July 15) at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (July 16) at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Simone as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery. The family suggest memorials be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
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