James Ovid Atkins

James “Jim” Ovid Atkins passed from this life on Sunday, August 7th, 2022.
Jim was born in Marshall, Texas on April 30, 1947 to Felton and Dorris Atkins. The family moved to Corpus Christi in 1956 where Jim attended public schools Wilson Elementary, Hamlin Junior High, and W.B. Ray High School before going to the University of Texas at Austin to earn his BBA in Finance. Growing up, Jim was heavily involved in Scouting, earning his Eagle Scout Award as a member of Troop 11 sponsored by the First Baptist Church. He participated in sports throughout his youth, playing baseball in the Pony League and football during the middle and high school years. He enjoyed “hot rodding” cars including his 57 Chevy and later is SS396 Chevelle. Jim was a graduate of the 8th class of the Leadership of Corpus Christi.
Jim worked part time for the City National Bank in Austin, Texas while in school and for a short time following his graduation. After marrying his sweetheart Suzanne Haas and welcoming their first son, Doug, the family moved back to Corpus and Jim was employed at Parkdale State Bank for about 6 years, which he would later refer to as “his good conservative banker days.” The family next welcomed their second son, Darrell. Jim then owned an automotive part wholesaling business before going into the Oil and Gas business with his father-in-law, Charles Haas. Jim became president of the family owned exploration and production business while overseeing other holdings in ranching and real estate. In recent years, Jim has enjoyed being involved in the management of his own oil and gas investments.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman and spent countless hours enjoying his beloved bird dogs and hunting quail for 35 years, primarily in the Rachal, Texas area. Springs and summers were spent stalking the clear, shallow flats of the Laguna Madre, primarily chasing the redfish and enjoying his legendary floating fishing cabin known as “The Church” with quite a cast of unforgettable characters through the years. The memories are priceless to the ones that shared them with him. We like to think that some very familiar faces will be waiting for him now, sitting on a perfect bay watching the sunset, cooking steaks, and having a scotch to welcome him home.
Jim was dedicated tirelessly to the conversation of the saltwater fisheries for the future generations becoming only the second member of the GCCA (Gulf Coast Conservation Association) for the Corpus Christi area, now called Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). He served on the state board, Executive Committee and V.P. for Enforcement in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He also served as local chapter President twice. He worked extensively on both legislative and regulatory efforts to better manage the Coastal Fishery and was particularly proud of his involvement in the “Redfish Wars” and his contributions to the Passage for HB1000 making both Redfish and Trout a game fish, along with expanding the Regulatory Authority of Texas Parks and Wildlife to more effectively address coastal issues as they arose. He was a major proponent of the No-Run Area in the Nine Mile Hole, an idea that he and couple of other people presented to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This effort resulted in a five year “study” of the effects as well as the development of the Scientific Study Area of Redfish Bay. He was then the founding President of the Saltwater-Fisheries Enhancements Association (SEA) focused on raising local money addressing local saltwater issues. He served in this voluntary position for approximately seven years during which SEA contributed heavily to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and their effort with flounder research including spawning in captivity, natural recruitment, etc. These efforts ultimately resulted in the closure of the flounder fishery during their fall breeding migration. SEA also was responsible for the elimination of the retention of guide limits on guided trips and the regulation of floating cabins. SEA aslo sponsored Kid Fish in Public schools throughout Corpus Christi. Most recently, Jim has been a member of Flats Worthy volunteering to serve on their Board of Directors. Though not extremely active, Jim supported their efforts directed at educating the boating public about etiquette on the water and eliminating conflicts between various user groups.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Oscar L. Atkins. He is survived by his beloved sons Doug Atkins (Kim) and Darrell Atkins (Robbi) of Corpus Christi and three grandchildren: Hunter Atkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma and Rylee and R.C. Atkins of Corpus Christi. He is also survived by the Mother of their children, Suzanne Roberts of Corpus Christi, his sister-in-law Anita Atkins, his nephew Blake Atkins of Plano, Texas and niece Allison Lanter as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends that are like family.
We are thankful for the mark that Jim made upon this earth. We thank him for being a warrior for our natural resources so that our children and many generations more can enjoy it. His skill in storytelling, his one of a kind, infections, roaring laugh and humor, his passion and energy, and his heart of gold made him uniquely Jim and we will forever be thankful for all of it. Like all legends, he will always be with us.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. upstairs at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. Yacht Club Casual, come as you are.
In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to FlatsWorthy (via check at PO Box 279, Fulton, Texas 78358 or online at FlatsWorthy.com. Please include a memo on check or with online payment that it is for the Jim Atkins memorial fund) or to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.