James Elkins Jr.

Captain, US Navy , Retired February 15, 1918 - April 24, 2011 Jim Elkins, Athens resident and graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1940, died peacefully at home with his family on April 24th, Easter Day. He was 93. Jim was born in Waycross, Georgia, the son of James Samuel Elkins and Mary DeFord Elkins. A highly decorated pilot of carrier based dive bombers in WW II; Jim received the Distinguished Flying Cross for operations from USS YORKTOWN and remained a career naval officer stationed on aircraft carriers, ships and bases world-wide for over thirty years including Washington DC, California, Hawaii and Rota, Spain. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Jim also received during his navy career, the Air Medal w/6 stars, the Presidential Unit Citation w/star, Navy Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Victory Medal WW II, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/star and the Legion of Merit. On his retirement from the Navy in 1969, Jim joined the University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, as the Director of The Governmental Research and Services Division. He served in that capacity for ten years, and with his beloved wife Carol, remained in Athens after his retirement. Jim was active in the Athens Kiwanis, the Athens Retired Officers Association and the First Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder and very involved in Sunday School, Men of the Church, choir and Congregational Care. His inspirational Letter, regarding his faith and life experiences, was shared with many and was an important part of his Christian ministry. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years Carol O'Neal Elkins. Much beloved by his large and extended family he will be deeply missed by all including his three daughters, Carol Large (Jim), Judy Howell and Lynn Griffin (Bill), his sister, Elizabeth Elkins Pitman of Greenville, S.C., ten grandchildren, Ginny Blossom Kruntorad (Mark), Dudley Blossom (Evgenia), Jonathan Blossom (Jeanette), Evan Howell (Melissa), Hudson Howell (Melinda), Whitney Margherio (Kris), Charles Griffin (Amanda), Cameron Griffin, Jamie Large (Suzetta) and Richard Large (Marie), and eleven great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1st at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home Athens East, 4355 Lexington Rd. Athens, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 185 Hancock St. in Athens, Georgia at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2nd. The family requests that in lieu of flowers gifts may be made to the Captain James S. Elkins, Jr. Memorial at the Church or to the charity of your choice. Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.onlineathens.com Athens Banner-Herald, Saturday, April 30, 2011