Jim Elkins, 60, of Lutz, FL died Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, FL. Arrangements were with Veterans Funeral Care of Clearwater, FL.
Jim was born on May 27, 1947 in Columbus, OH. He moved to Cocoa, FL as a young child and has resided in the Tampa and Bradenton area most of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.
Jim served in the Army, stationed in various locations around the world. He loved his country with all of his heart and was proud to be a veteran. He was an active supporter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Survivors include three sons, Jerry Lee Elkins of Tampa, FL, David Wayne Elkins of Albequerque, NM, and Jimmy Eppler of Port Orchard, WA and five grandchildren. Other survivors include two brothers Tommy Wood of Lutz, FL, Roy Lee Elkins of Walters, OK, and two sisters Jeanne Gray of Amarillo, TX and MaryAnne Bolerjack of Sanford, FL. And, seven nieces and nephews who were very special to Jim.
A private memorial service was held on Friday November 16th. The service was held on Davis Island at the bay harbor at sunset with Roy Lee Elkins officiating. Jim wished to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered atop his cherished Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee. A family ceremony will be held at that time.
Jim was a devoted father, a loving grandfather, a cherished brother, an unfailing uncle, a trusted friend to many, and an inspiration to all who knew him. Before becoming disabled he had worked as a master plumber and was an avid stock car driver.
The family requests memorials be to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and wishes to thank the staff at James A. Hailey VAMC for their care and support, and to all Jim?s friends who gave of their time and efforts for the family.
Arrangements by Veterans Funeral Care of Clearwater, FL.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint. Teach me Lord to wait……….
I miss you so much Bubba, but the vision of you walking on the streets of gold, sustains me. See you in Heaven. I love you , your Baby Sister, Jeanne.
I will alawys remember James as a brother who never gave up on me! no matter what situation I was in ,he was there either in person, or by phone! He always called me Moose. I will miss him until we meet again. His 57 Ford was awesome and beat a Chevy, he is racing chariots in heaven right now! I love you James! your Big brother Roy the Moose dynamite Elkins, Roy Lee Thanks for sharing your clothes and ect. which you always caught me with,remember all the peroxide and bleach you and Gary Eddy used!Plus the Girls Bathroom you and your friends shoved me into!
I met you as a brother-in-law but, you became my Brother. Our only disagreement: you were always a Mopar man and I a Chevy fan. But, we will have eternity to debate that one, brother. The first “rubber” I burn on my redone ’57 will be for you. Love Ya Bubba, Tommy
TO MY LOVING FATHER,
MY YOU REST IN PEACE ,AFTER HAVING FINISHED LIFE’S DUTY. MAY THE LOVE I FELT FROM YOU COUNTINUE THROUGH MY LIFE AS WELL.KNOW YOU WERE FORGIVEN, LOVED , HONOR’D AND NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN. I’LL MISS YOU DAD..
YOUR YOUNGEST SON,
DAVID W. ELKINS
We are sorry for your sadness at this time. We will be praying you and your family
Death for a child of God is sweet sorrow. Sweet because now that love one rests in the bosom of our Lord and sorrowful because they have pass from the path of our presence. May God strengthen you as you rejoice during the midst of your grief. I lift you before the Lord and pray that sweet memories will flood your days.
Friend of Jeanne and Tommy Gray
I WILL MISS ALL THE TIMES THAT YOU WERE THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEEDED SOME ONE IN MY CORNER,YOU ALWAYS HAD GOOD ADVISE AND YOU WERE NEVER TO MODEST TO TELL ME LIKE IT WAS.I NEVER APPRECIATED FULLY THE WISDOM THAT YOU POSSESSED.I WILL TAKE ALL IVE LEARNED AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR MY CHILDREN LIKE YOU WERE FOR ALL OF US.I MISS YOU POP!!!
I liked Jim we called him Jimbo from the first moment I met him. He was like a father to my sweetheart and he will be sorely missed. I never got tired of sitting and chatting with him. I could listen to his Mopar stories for hours. He was a wonderful man and so deserves to be at peace with our Lord. He has wings now so he can really fly.
For the rest of my life, not a day will go by that i won’t think about and miss my brother.But his soul,his heart,his love for life to so many people can never be matched.To those people and me he will always have a piece of our hearts.
sincerly, tommy