James Ross “Jim” Eakins, Sr., age 88, of Shelby, OH, went to be with his Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, on Sunday evening, May 24, 2026 at his home with his loving wife by his side.
Jim was born June 22, 1937 in Wilmington, OH to Robert Ross and Ella Elizabeth (Hughes) Eakins. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1955. Jim began a lifelong career in the grocery business at the Albers Supermarket in Wilmington while he was still in high school. He went into managership training in 1963 and open the new Albers Supermarket in Shelby, OH in 1964. In 1968 he transferred to Washington Courthouse, OH, working there for nine years prior to being transferred back to Shelby in late 1976 where he completed his career at Great Scot- retiring in June of 1999. Jim loved the grocery business, his customers, and fellow employees. He was known by some as “Mr. Great Scot”.
Jim married Barbara Dotson on June 7, 1959. They were married almost 67 years. Two children were born of their union- James Ross, Jr. and Gale Ann.
Jim loved the Lord and was baptized when he was twelve years old. He was a member of the Greenwich Church of Christ where he had served as a Sunday School teacher and an elder.
For hobbies, Jim liked to go birdwatching, hiking, and camping. He took his family on many camping trips to the National Parks, both in the east and in the west.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law: Robert Glen and Janet (Humphrey) Eakins; and his sister-in-law: Terry Eakins.
Surviving are his wife: Barbara; his children: James Ross (Tammy) Eakins, Jr. and Gale Ann (Jerry) Stair; 5 grandchildren: Allen (Betty) Eakins, Sarah (Lloyd) Picklesimer, Mark (J.J.) Stair, Joel Stair, and Kara Stair; 6 great grandchildren: Romina Eakins, Axel Pickelsimer, and Josiah, Malachi, Mira, and Judah Stair; brother: William Eakins; sister: Phyllis (David) Wisecup; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Chawla and OhioHealth Hospice with Compassus for caring for Jim; our neighbor: Dennis Milligan for his friendship and help; and the church family at Greenwich Church of Christ for their constant prayers and love.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 3-5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 5 pm. Evangelist Carl Snelling will officiate the services. Graveside services and burial will be on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 am at New Antioch Cemetery (1101 Antioch Road, Wilmington, OH 45177). All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Greenwich Church of Christ, 10 Townsend Street, Greenwich, OH 44837.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page.
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: www.PenwellFuneralHome.com