James L. Adkins

James L. Adkins, 88, of Whitman departed this life on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Logan Regional Medical Center. Born June 15, 1929, in Monaville, he was the son of the late Albert and Grace Adkins of Whitman. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Lula Morrison Adkins; two brothers, Lyle Adkins and Stewart Randell (Ruth) Adkins both of Whitman; one sister, Rita Adkins (Bennie) Sellards of Whitman; and one daughter-in-law, Linda Sue Young Adkins. Employed by Island Creek Coal Company from August 1947 to March 1976 beginning as a miner. Appointed mine foreman in 1956 and in 1963 appointed to the position of Division Safety Inspector. Advanced through various safety positions and in 1969 was appointed Safety Director for the Island Creek Division at Holden, WV. Activities: mine rescue work, captain of Island Creek First Aid & Mine Rescue Teams, winning four National Championships. In the mid-70s the Holden are began to phase out and the Holden division operation office was relocated to eastern KY and he was transferred there, although retaining responsibilities for the WV operations. He stayed with this job for 1 ½ years before going to Cannelton Industries as General Manager of Safety in 1976 and was responsible for the safety function. Survivors include: his son, Alan (Jane) Adkins of Whitman; three grandchildren, Jeffery (Tiffany) Adkins of Jacksonville, FL, Alicia (Vester) Black of Bluefield, WV, Bruce Adkins of Cincinnati, OH; two step-grandsons, William Horn of Moorefield and Joshua (Kim) Horn of Ethel, WV; five great-grandsons, Nicholas, Gregory, Jamison Adkins of Jacksonville, FL, Hayden and Seth Black of Bluefield; one great-granddaughter, Piper Black of Bluefield; two step great-grandsons, Clayton and Evan Fravala of Jacksonville, FL; one sister-in-law, Anna Adkins, and a host of special nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Akers-James Funeral Home at Logan with Rev. Lonnie Gore and Pastor Joaquine Ooten officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Friends and family may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday also at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com Akers-James Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.