James F Akins

Jim (James) F. Akins succumbed to cancer and went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2016. Jim was born June 11, 1951, near Mt. Sterling, Illinois, and spent his Jr. High and High School years in Sacramento, California, before graduating from Harding College (1969) and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law (1978) in Arkansas, which became "home" for him and his wife of 42 years, Janet Robinson Akins. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Paul Akins and Lydia Haskins, and brother, John Akins. He was also predeceased by his foster father, Maurice Baldwin and foster brother, Jeff Baldwin. Jim is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Julie (Caleb), son, Jeff (Mandy) and two grandsons, James and Timothy, whom he dearly loved; also two sisters, Jean Akins and Mary Rasmussen; his foster mother, Sharron Baldwin, and foster brother, Keith Baldwin (Kathleen), and many other in-laws, relatives and friends. Jim was a member of the Somers Avenue Church of Christ in North Little Rock for three decades, serving as a Deacon and an Elder, with a focus on missions, education, and benevolence. Jim had a tireless and interesting career, which included serving as Assistant Attorney General, attending the Federal Law Enforcement Training School in Glynco, Georgia (graduating near the top of his class), and working briefly for the federal government. For the past 35 years, Jim maintained a solo civil law practice, Akins Law Firm, P.A., in Sherwood, Arkansas. He was grateful for the help of Steven McClelland in transitioning the law practice and also grateful to long-time friend, Mike Hughes, for much personal support during stressful times. Jim was instrumental in helping local non-profits (Capstone Treatment Center, Arkansas Pediatric Facility, APF Educational Services, Arkansas Child Fund, and others), along with his long-time friend and business partner, Gary Hunter. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Somers Avenue Church of Christ are welcomed. Visitation will be 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, October 27th. Funeral will be 1 p.m., Friday, both at the Somers Avenue Church of Christ, 4801 Somers Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas, with internment to follow at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with the family of Jim at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.