Jimmy Alvin Adkison

Jim Adkison was born in Brinkley, Arkansas, on November 30, 1938. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Air Force and faithfully served his country from 1956 to 1962. Afterward, he worked simultaneously as a Harris County Deputy Sheriff in Texas and as an Air Traffic Controller, during which time he had the honor of being parade-side security for President John F. Kennedy. Always eager to embrace new challenges, Jim transferred to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. There, he achieved one of his proudest accomplishments by earning his pilot's license. It was also in Chicago that his genuine Southern charm won the heart of the woman who would become his beloved wife and partner of 60 years. Jim attended the University of Texas in 1974 and, after 31 years, retired as an Air Traffic Controller. He didn’t let this new chapter slow him down, though. He later owned International Tours Travel Agency in Claremore from 1981 to 1989, and he worked as a Flood Insurance Adjuster with Sweet Claims Service from 1989 to 2003.

Jim loved to drive anything that went fast, from cars and motorcycles to snowmobiles and small planes. Once in a while, he’d slow down to hunt or fish, and he continued to golf his entire life. He was also a devoted NASCAR fan (Dale Earnhardt, #3), and he rarely missed a chance to watch a race or cheer on his favorite drivers. For 15 years, he loved being part of Dave’s RV Race Team, which gave him the perfect combination of speed, friendship, food, and good stories. He was a proud member of the Claremore Elks Lodge since 1978 and valued the friendships and community he found through the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Jim was a longtime, faithful member of Claremore First Methodist Church, where he devoted countless hours to Meals on Wheels, the church Food Pantry, and driving the church bus so others could attend worship and church activities. Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His granddaughter, Morgan, was the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Galyn Adkison, who passed away in infancy; parents, Bill and Pauline Adkison; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Jack Sanders; sister and brother-in-law, Annette and Gene Grigsby; and brother, George Adkison.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbi Adkison; his son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Melissa; his daughter, Jacquelyn, and son-in-law, Michael; his granddaughter, Morgan; his sister, Nancy Campbell; his brother, Larry Adkison, and sister-in-law, Vivian; his sister-in-law, Marlene; as well as many cherished extended family members and dear friends.

Jim lived a life full of purpose, adventure, and love. Whether he was serving his country, guiding planes safely through the skies, cheering on a race team, telling stories with friends, or spending time with his family, he embraced every chapter with enthusiasm and a generous heart. His faith in God was a steady foundation throughout his life, shaping the way he loved others, faced life's challenges, and counted his many blessings. He never met a stranger, always had a smile to share, and left every place a little brighter because he was there. While his family and friends will miss him deeply, they find comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord. Jim's legacy lives on in the kindness he showed, the laughter he inspired, and the love he shared so freely. He will be forever remembered, forever cherished, and forever loved.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 310 S. Nome Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.

A Celebration of Life will also be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Claremore Elks Lodge, 1820 Summit Drive, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather to honor his life and enjoy fellowship together.

To honor Jim's memory, the family invites you to make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to one of the charities that were close to his heart, including: Clarehouse, 7617 South Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74133; Claremore First Methodist Church Food Pantry, 1615 North Highway 88,Claremore, OK 74017; C.O.R.E. Ministries, 15713 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306. When donating, please consider noting that your gift is made in memory of Jim Adkison.