James Fredric Adkins, 71, of Sparta, Wisconsin, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 16, 2024. His wife and four daughters were by his side.
Jim was born April 28, 1953 in Augsburg, Germany, to 1st Sgt. Billy J. Adkins and Mildred (Rosenthal) Adkins. The family followed his father’s military career, which involved numerous relocations with the U.S. Army. They settled in Columbus, Wisconsin.
Jim graduated from Columbus High School in 1971, then went on to the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, earning a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism. Through UW-L, he enjoyed a year abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, and explored Europe by train.
While in La Crosse, Jim fell in love with Paula (Lanzel) and married her on July 11, 1981. For 43 years, he was a devoted husband through thick and thin and a dedicated father to their children. In their home, Jim ensured that his family’s lives were filled with laughter, music, and adventure. Classic rock pumping through the kitchen on a Saturday morning was standard in their Sparta home. His family appreciated Jim’s culinary skills, whether a comforting casserole or a grand slam breakfast. His daughters are forever grateful for his unwavering support in pursuing their passions, both academically and in athletics. Jim inherited from his father and passed on a love of golf to his family; always a proud cheerleader on the links. He raised his girls to value and enjoy a balance of work and play.
Being a grandpa was another highlight of his life. His four grandchildren looked forward to visits that included outdoor activities such as fishing on the river, creek stomping with grandma, fort building, playing catch, blasting fireworks, and shooting targets. His entire family will carry on his appreciation and love of nature.
Jim’s lifelong career as an independent insurance agent culminated with 17 years of service at Fleis Insurance Agency of Onalaska. Through the decades, Jim happily provided personalized support for each of his customers. Cruising in his Caddy to check in with clients greatly enriched his professional life. Jim was proud of his dedication to his customers, which oftentimes included pulling up a kitchen chair for a conversation about insurance and their lives. Many Wisconsin Tavern League members were not only clients but also lifelong friends.
Jim especially loved Thursday night golf league, hunting at the family land in Cataract, and keeping fit through maintaining his property. An annual golf weekend with his high school friends was something he always looked forward to. He was also a gamblin’ man and enjoyed taking chances with casino trips with Paula. In recent summers, Jim and Paula delighted in entertaining family and friends on their Mississippi pontoon. The experience of enjoying live music together always brought Jim and Paula closer. Jim could surely cut a rug on the dance floor and was always the life of the party, infusing laughter and his witty humor into any situation. He loved nothing more than bringing his girls together around an evening fire, especially during a holiday celebration, with a dog by his side.
Remaining to cherish Jim’s memory are wife, Paula; children, Laura Adkins, Sarah (Elliott) Gleiss, Courtney Adkins, Carolyn Adkins; grandchildren, Natalie Rowlett, Dylan Rowlett, Levon Rowlett, and Magdalena Gleiss; brother, David Adkins; and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Preceding Jim in death are his parents, Billy and Mildred; mother and father-in-law, Barbara and Robert Lanzel; sister-in-law, Terry Cozy; and nephew, Christopher Cozy.
Jim’s family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the ICU staff at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital for their devoted care and attention.
Please join us to celebrate Jim’s life on Saturday, November 2, at Torkelson Funeral Home in Sparta, Wisconsin. The visitation will take place at 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Jim’s family invites you to join them for a meal following the service. Please crank your tunes on your way to his farewell!
In remembrance of Jim’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Camp American Legion or K9s For Warriors.
Online condolences may be shared at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
