Minister James Akins

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV) Minister James Akins, age 88, a lifelong resident of Palestine and Forrest City, Arkansas, was born on November 14, 1937, in Palestine, Arkansas, to the late Willie Akins and Clara Barton Akins. He was raised in a large, faith-centered family where strong Christian values, love, and unity were instilled at an early age. Minister Akins received his education in Palestine, Arkansas and dedicated much of his working life to honest labor and service. He worked faithfully on the farm for many years and was employed at Warwick, Halsted, and Vaccaro, before retiring from the Forrest City School District, where he served as a custodian. Known for his humility, dependability, and strong work ethic, he exemplified integrity both on and off the job. In his leisure time, he found joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with his family. On Friday, November 25, 1960, Minister Akins was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Catherine Gunn, and together they shared many years of love, faith, and devotion. At an early age, James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at Union Hill Baptist Church in Palestine, Arkansas. Later, he and his family united with Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, where he was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost, and where he faithfully raised his family in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Answering the call to serve, he became a Minister in the Church of God in Christ, living a life of consecration, prayer, and quiet dedication. At the time of his passing, he was a faithful member of Saints’ Temple Church of God in Christ. A man of steadfast faith, Minister James Akins walked uprightly before God, guided by prayer, discipline, and unwavering devotion to both God and family. His quiet strength, wisdom, and steady presence were a blessing to his church, his family, and all who knew him. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — II Timothy 4:7 (KJV) On Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:19 a.m., Minister James Akins peacefully transitioned from this life at Forrest City Medical Center in Forrest City, Arkansas, entering into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Akins and Clara Barton Akins; his siblings Theressa Akins-Smith, Roosevelt Akins, John Akins, and J.V. Akins; and other loved ones who welcomed him home. Minister Akins leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife of the home, Catherine Gunn Akins of Forrest City, Arkansas; his children, Gladis (Edward) Calamese of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Dwight (Shaneika) Gunn of Las Vegas, Nevada; Jacqueline Earvin; Anthony (Bernita) Akins; Valerie Brown all of Forrest City, Arkansas; Lisa Grady of Jonesboro, Arkansas; and James Kirkland of Nebraska; twenty-two grandchildren and thirty-eight great-grandchildren; his beloved sister, Ester M. Smith of Goodwin, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends who were richly blessed by his life and legacy. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” — Revelation 14:13 (KJV)

Minister James Akins

November 14, 1937 - January 12, 2026