James Askins

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathies the passing of James Askins.  Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. 

James Askins was born on November 5, 1940, in Fort Valley, Georgia, Peach County, as the second of seven sons to Lonnie Askins and Jestine Virginia Turner Griffin.  He attended Allen Chapel School and Hunt High before enlisting in the United States Army on June 13, 1967.  James served with the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Vietnam from December 29, 1967, until December 7, 1968.  He received several military awards and medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, a second Bronze Star Medal, two Overseas Bars, Marksman (M-14), and Sharpshooter (M-16).  He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1970.  

Following his military service, James worked as a DJ, mechanic, truck driver, and held positions at the Peach Recycling Center and Lane Southern Orchards.  His hobbies included art, coin collecting, constructing items from scratch, and dancing.  

James was married to Lauretta Hamilton for 24 years, from September 1992 until her death in 2016.  Two of his brothers, Willie Paul Askins and Lonnie Askins, predeceased him.  

James leaves to mourn and cherish his memories; his son, James Dexter Jenkins of Albany, Georgia: daughter, Geraldine Person Walker (Tracy) of Lockport, New York: brothers; Chester Leon Askins of Fort Valley, Georgia, Eddie Willie Griffin, Jr., Andrew Griffin (Eva), and Marvin Lee Griffin (Gail), all of Albany, Georgia; sister-in-law, Mary Askins of Soperton, Georgia; eight grandchildren: Shavaski Majors of Albany, Georgia, Mishad Brown and Eboni Jenkins of Atlanta, Georgia, Audrianna Carter of Lee County, Georgia.  Taurus Dennard of Savanna, Georgia, Tyler Jenkins of Jacksonville, Florida, Carl Person, and Relecia Person Glover (Xavier); great-grandchildren: Kylo Jones, Ariana Benjamin, Shavaski Majors, Jr., and Kemelle Garrison; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Devoted nieces include Justine Askins Girdner (caregiver), Pamela Bouyer, and Chandra McGhee.  Additional survivors are Sharon Cochran and goddaughter MiKayla Bickers.