James B Akins Jr

James B. Akins August 27, 1927 –May 26, 2015 “Jim” was born to James and Gladys Akins in Lawton, Kansas on August 27, 1927. After graduating from high school in Columbus, Kansas he enlisted in the Navy, October 11, 1945. Jim spent the last months of WWII with the Pacific Fleets War effort. At the end of his service Jim went back to Columbus where he wooed a young lady, Mary Elizabeth Harper, and married her on August 24, 1950. Jim was called back into service for the Korean War and was stationed in Florida where he took his new bride with him. This began their life together for the next 64 ¾ years. Jim started as an aircraft mechanic in Wichita, Kansas for the Boeing Aircraft Company in February 1952. He was then transferred to Seattle, Washington in 1969 to work on the 747 program. After 38 years with the Boeing Company, Jim decided to retire in 1990. Jim Akins was a friend of our Lord Jesus Christ, and helped the building and leadership of the Disciples of Christ Church in Mulvane, Kansas. He was a 32 degree Mason and belonged to the Scottish Rites. Jim and Mary were members of the Wildcat camping club in Mulvane and were founding members of the Washington Totems camping club. Jim believed in supporting the local food banks. He volunteered his time to the Soap Lake Food Bank after moving there from western Washington. During his retirement years Jim and Mary traveled to various parts of the United States. The winter times were spent in Arizona with the last 17 years at Lake Pleasant Resort in Peoria. Jim Akins was a family man with all the various titles of husband to Great-Grandpa. Holidays, camping trips and family gatherings created fond memories for his family and friends, with stories painting a beautiful picture of his sacrifice and love for his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary and their 4 daughters, Carol Schulz (Keith) of Soap Lake, WA, Brenda Picht (Tom) of Corvallis, OR, Mary Ann Lee of Granite Falls, WA and Lois Baldwin (Art) of Aurora, CO. Jim was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 10 ¾ great-grandchildren. Memorial service for Jim will be held Friday, June 5th at Nicoles Funeral Home, 157 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA at 1pm followed by a brief graveside service a Valley View Memorial Park, Soap Lake, WA. A celebration of Jim’s life will then be held at Keith and Carol’s home, 219 Juniper N, Soap Lake. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Soap Lake Food Bank, PO Box 925, Soap Lake, WA 98851.

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James B Akins Jr

August 27, 1927 - May 26, 2015