ATMORE – James Stevens Elkins, Jr., 82, passed away Monday, July 22, 2013, after a brief illness.

Jim was born in Fairfield and was raised in Bessemer. He moved to Atmore in 1956, where he lived until his death.

His parents, James S. and Marguerite E. Elkins; his beloved wife of 57 years, Mildred D. Elkins; and his brother, Robert Eugene Elkins preceded him in death.

Survivors include, two sons, Mark J. Elkins of Atmore; Jerry S. (Natalie) Elkins of Moundville; three daughters, Carol Elkins of Atmore; Kay Elkins of Jacksonville, Fla. and Janis Elkins of Northport; his sister, Joy (Bennie) Elkins Wall of Woodstock, Ga.; and his aunt, Eva Wilson of Hoover. Other survivors include nieces, Tammy (Danny) Wall Cochran and children of Woodstock, Ga.; Terri (Tim) Wall Speer and children of Woodstock, Ga.; Luanne Elkins Wohlschlaeger and children of Pensacola, Fla.; nephew, Robert E. Elkins, Jr. of Robertsdale; and a special caregiver, Celene B. McGhee.

Jim graduated from Bessemer High School in 1949 and Auburn University in 1954 with a B. S. degree in music education. He received a Master of Education degree from Auburn University in 1962.  He received his AA Teacher Certificate in school administration and guidance and counseling in 1975-1976.

Following his marriage, he joined the United States Army in August 1954 and was based in Fort Jackson, S.C.  He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1956-1961. He moved to Atmore in 1956 to accept a position with the Escambia County High School as band and choral director. During this time he also taught instrumental music to fifth and sixth graders. After a short break from teaching, he returned to the education field in 1974 to accept the position of guidance counselor. He retired in June 1997 with 34 ½ years of educational service.

Jim was an active member of Atmore First United Methodist Church. He served as the choir director for 33 years until his retirement in 1991. He also served on several boards and committees, including administrative board, Council on Ministries, and worship committee.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2013, at Atmore First United Methodist Church with the Reverends Jim Reece and Debora Bishop officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 until the 11 a.m. service time. Interment will follow at Oakhill Cemetery with military honors.

Active pallbearers are Stephen Van Pelt, Jim Henley, Tyler Speer, Robert Elkins, Jr., Lou Vickery and Clifton Mims, Jr.  Honorary pallbearers are Jack Beck, Jim Van Pelt, George Van Pelt, Giles Chapman, Pete McGhee and Danny Cochran.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Atmore First United Methodist Church Building Fund or to the Library Partners of Atmore.

Funeral arrangements are by Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.