James Lloyd Adkins

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Lloyd Adkins, aged 79, on August 21, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, he lived a long and full life marked by kindness, compassion, perseverance, and devotion to his family and friends. Born on May 10, 1946, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jim grew up in New Sharon, Iowa, with his sister Linda. His father, Lloyd, passed away in 1955 when Jim was only nine years old, and he was raised by his mother, Helen, and his grandmother, Hazel. Jim played football in high school, playing both offense and defense, and was the punter, a position for which legendary radio announcer Frosty Mitchell recognized him on his All-Area team. After graduating from North Mahaska, Jim enrolled at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He taught for one year in West Bend, Iowa, after which he returned to New Sharon to teach math and coached numerous athletic programs at North Mahaska High School. In 1974, Jim left teaching to work in the insurance industry and moved to Algona, Iowa, and then to Mason City, where he lived and worked for 21 years. He continued in the insurance industry until the late 80s when he went to work for the Farm Credit Services of America in Forest City, while remaining a resident of Mason City. In 1996, he took a job with Earlham Savings Bank and moved to Urbandale. Jim worked as a senior loan officer and later as a vice president of the bank, retiring in 2017. Jim was a 54-year Mason, 3rd degree, earning him the title of Master Mason. Beyond his professional career, Jim was known for his devotion to family and friends. Always ready to lend a hand, Jim was generous with his time, freely giving to others and his community. His happy place since 1979 was Leech Lake, Minnesota, where he loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, relaxing and teaching them to water ski, fish, and enjoy life on the lake. He and his wife, Ramona, spent summers at Leech Lake from May to October during their retirement, including this last summer before his passing. His presence in all our lives will be deeply missed, especiallyâ€"despite never having a dogâ€"by all of the "grand," "cul-du-sec," and "lake" dogs, for whom he always had boxes of treats! Jim is survived by his loving wife Ramona of 50 years. He is also survived by his sons Shawn (Michelle) Adkins of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Robert (Brook) Adkins of Cedar Rapids; stepsons Brad (Paula) Epperly of West Des Moines, Clint Epperly of West Des Moines, and Scott Epperly of West Des Moines; twelve grandchildren, Kristin, Jacob and Nathan; Victoria and Alanna; Katelyn, Samuel and Benjamin; Maria and Charles; Maxwell and Joseph; five great-grandchildren Maverick, Heath, Mackenzie, Molly, and Graham; sister Linda Collett; brother-in-law Ross (Myra) Madden; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd William Adkins, and mother, Helen Irene Adkins (Shaw). His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved him dearly and cherished his presence. A celebration of his life will be held at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines on October 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a brief program of speakers starting at 5:30 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance and honor.