Jimmy "Jim" Adkins

Jimmy “Jim” Adkins, 80, of Pampa, passed away on August 3, 2025, at home with his family by his side.

Celebration of life services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel, with Lee Cornelison, his brother-in-law, officiating the service. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Jim was born on September 10, 1944, in Duncan, OK, to Edward “Bud” and Nora Adkins. Shortly after his birth, his family lived in Guymon, OK, for a few years before moving to Ville Platte, LA, where he spent much of his youth. In his senior year, his family relocated to Pampa, where he graduated in 1962.

After high school, Jim worked in a few different positions in Pampa before he began his long career at Cabot Corporation. He held various positions at Cabot, starting as a janitor for 2 weeks, progressing to an operator role quickly, and then advancing to an Instrument and Electrical technician where he specialized in cathodic protection, Foxboro Instruments, and variable speed drives. During his time as a technician, he worked at many Cabot sites, including Tuscola, Ohio River, Sarnia, Ville Platte, and Canal. Subsequently, he was promoted to foreman and later facility engineer before transitioning to a capital project management role. His dedication to Cabot's Research and Development was so profound that the R&D administration building was dedicated in his honor after he completed the project and bears his name to this day. He initially retired from Cabot in 2001 but was unable to remain away for long, returning as a project contractor consultant until 2011. Ultimately, he retired after 46 years of service to Cabot and its Research and Development facility, which he often described as “home” during those years.

Jim served his country with the United States Army National Guard and was a dedicated chef during that time. Jimmy met Peggy Cornelison in 1978 at a volleyball court, and they later married in 1982 in Pampa.

Jim had a genuine love for the outdoors, and he found joy in activities like hunting, fishing, and visiting the Cabot “Bar NI” Ranch whenever he could. His passion for outdoor fun extended to golfing, hiking, playing intramural softball, and watching birds and animals, with fly fishing in Colorado streams being his absolute favorite. He also loved cooking, especially when he had the chance to host his family, friends, and neighbors, sharing good times and great food.

His family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brought him countless moments of pride and happiness. Jimmy will always be remembered as a kind, caring, and gentle soul. When he spoke, everyone stopped what they were doing to listen, appreciating his words and wisdom.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jerry Adkins.

Jim is survived by his wife, Peggy Adkins; a daughter, Jeanine Malone and husband Greg of Pampa; son, Jeffery “Jake” Adkins, and wife Kelly of Kettering, Ohio; grandchildren, Tyler Malone and wife Ramie, Avery Malone, all of Pampa, Chloe Adkins and Jacob “Jake” Adkins, both of Kettering, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Hollie and Jack; two sisters, Linda Lamb of Okeene, Oklahoma, Cindy Pagel and husband Mike of Moore, Oklahoma; a brother, Mickey Adkins, and wife Jeanene of Moore, Oklahoma; and by other extended family.