James Allen “Jim” Elkins was called home to be with his Lord on April 23, 2026, in Early, Texas, at the age of 80.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Salt Creek Baptist Church in Early, Texas. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Salt Creek Cemetery.
Jim was born to R.J. and Roxie Bowles Elkins on January 24, 1946, in Brownwood, Texas. He graduated from Tuscola High School and attended Howard Payne University, where he received a Pastoral Ministry Certificate. This led him to pastor at Lawn Baptist Church for several years. By this time, he was deeply involved in trading and shoeing horses while working on ranches, and thus began his lifelong love for the cowboy way of life.
He became a father in his early twenties, and proudly managed to keep his three boys alive until he met and married the love of his life, Jo—though, as he might say, “just barely.” From that point on, his family was complete and life became an even greater adventure shared with the family he loved deeply.
A horseman first and foremost, Jim had a natural gift with horses and a deep passion for the lifestyle they represent. He was also a lifelong trader and entrepreneur, always on the lookout for a good deal and never afraid to try something new. Jim never met a stranger; if he gave you a nickname or picked at you, it meant he loved you. He was full of life, laughter, and stories that could go on as long as anyone was willing to listen.
Above all, Jim loved the Lord with all his heart. His faith guided his life, and he made it his mission to share the Gospel with everyone he met. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and leaves behind countless stories and memories that will be shared for generations.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Vance Elkins and his wife, Vondean; his sister, Jeanette Elkins Munn and her husband, Joe; his parents-in-law, John W. and Elizabeth Sutter; and his nephew, Tony Lanar Elkins.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Jo Ann Elkins; his sons, Trampus Elkins, Kevin Elkins and wife Ticia, and Guy Elkins and wife Amanda. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Shi Elkins Lee and husband Sean, Kellie Jo Elkins Creech and husband Ethan, Brody “Bull” Elkins and wife Emma, and Rowdy “Rooster” Elkins and wife Kenzie; along with three great-grandchildren and two more on the way. He is also survived by his nieces, Renee Elkins Reilly and husband Patrick and children, and Jennifer Munn Wood and husband James and children.
Jim’s legacy is one of faith, humor, grit, and a deep love for family. His presence will be greatly missed, but his stories, his spirit, and his unwavering faith will live on in all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Salt Creek Baptist Church.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” — Hebrews 12:1