Jimmy Atkins

.Alva J. Atkins, (83), of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away on May 10th, 2023. Alva, “Thar-o-mon-nee” fondly known as Jimmy, was born to William and Belinda (Box) Atkins, on June 24, 1939, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He was a talented athlete who loved playing basketball and baseball for the Red Rock Rockets. After graduating high school, he was drafted into the United States Military/Army where he served and reached the rank of Sargent. Upon his completion of service, Jim attended the Okmulgee Technical College where he obtained an automobile mechanics and service license. He would eventually meet and marry Elfrieda. Jim and Elfrieda were married for 58 years. He was employed with the Oklahoma State University Agronomy Research Station in Stillwater, where he eventually retired after 29 years of service. He enjoyed his family and often dabbled in hunting, fishing and growing his garden. He eventually met Marty Avrett with whom he would take as his Indian Brother. They enjoyed spending their free time coaching the local Little League team and teaching their sons how to play ball as well as finding time to “wet a line or two”. Jim is survived by his wife Elfrieda and one child, Rusty and his wife Dee, granddaughter Callie Dohe and her husband Chandler and great granddaughter Adley, niece Georgia Hoffman and grandniece Melea Hoffman, grandniece Kimberly Atkins, grandnephews Timothy Atkins and Trey Atkins. He is also survived by his sister, Mickie Oulds, and brother Marty Avrett and his wife Martha, along with his numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, William and Belinda Atkins, brothers Billy and Harvey, sisters Norma, Donna, Gayle, Augusta and Camillia Atkins. Aside from his love for family, Jim was passionate about his native culture. He was always the first to sign up for a volunteering event or donate to a fundraiser. Jim is an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation and a member of the Otoe/Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma. He was an avid Southern Straight Dancer, a member of the Otoe Eloska War Dance Society and a member of the Native American Church. From participating in local Pow Wow’s, and influencing family and tribal members, to assisting with the Native American Church, Jim positively impacted our community, and he will be truly missed.

Jim’s family will host a funeral service on Saturday 11:00 A.M. graveside in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery,. Poteet Funeral Home will host the service along with the Native American Church. Jim wished to follow our Pawnee ceremonial customs. His final resting place will be at the Otoe/Missouria Cemetery, next to his brother and sisters.