James Lamar (“Bubba”) Adkins departed this life the morning of Jan. 3, 2016 in Carrollton, Texas at the age of 72.
James was born to Clarence Adkins and Lauretta Thompson Adkins in Tyler, Texas, the second of their four children. James accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of True Vine Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. He began his formal education in Tyler Public Schools where he excelled in football, playing quarterback for Emmett J. Scott High School. After graduating from high school in 1962, he attended Prairie View A & M University and Texas Southern University where his thin, slim build earned him the moniker “Tish,” short for tissue paper. James later earned his bachelor’s degree from Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado and his master’s degree from The University of Colorado.
Full of confidence, swagger, and cool, James lit up every room that he entered and gave life to any social event he attended. Always the conversationalist, James never met a stranger, and had no problem talking with anyone from congressmen to cowboys, regaling listeners with tales from his fascinating life.
In his professional life, James worked as a substance abuse counselor for the State of Texas, earning recognition from Governor Ann Richards. He also worked as an instructor at Eastfield College in Dallas, Texas.
Later in life, James relocated to his much beloved Kyle, Texas where he served three terms as mayor from 1997 to 2005, becoming the first African American mayor in Hays County. During his tenure as mayor, James helped usher in a period of exponential commercial and residential growth in the city that continues to this day. After the end of his mayoral term, James remained active in the Kyle community, primarily through activities related his most important job as grandfather to his grandsons Elijah and Isaiah Adkins. James could often be seen on the sidelines of school sporting events, supporting the efforts of his cherished grandsons.
James is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Clarence Adkins Jr. and Rudolph Adkins; and daughter Jemina Williams. Left to cherish his memories are his son Kevin Broughton; grandsons Elijah Broughton, Elijah Adkins, and Isaiah Adkins; great-grandson Isaiah Broughton; brother Fred Adkins (Gloria); sisters Sylvia Adkins Norflis (Jim) and Ada Adkins Hill; along with a host of family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at True Vine Baptist Church, 713 W Oakwood St, Tyler, TX 75702, on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2015 at 11 a.m.
