James Aubrey Akins

James Aubrey Akins, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2025.

Aubrey was born on June 13, 1935 in Bulloch County to the late Thompson A. Akins and the late Ollie Mae Smith Akins. He graduated from Commercial High School in Savannah, Georgia. He was married Charlotte Henrietta Higgs, “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen” until her death in 2016. Aubrey joined the 117th Air National Guard in 1954. He retired in 1995 after 41 years of dedicated service. Aubrey loved all animals, especially feeding deer at his home. He was a life-long member of Grace Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Henrietta Higgs Akins and John Patrick Thompson (grandson) and his beloved cat, Tigger.

Survivors include, Allison Shawn Akins Thompson (daughter), John Thompson (son in law), Allison Mallory Thompson Saunders (grand-daughter), her husband, Christopher Saunders, one great-grandson, Harrison Patrick Saunders and his sweet Girlie.
The family would like to express their thankfulness to Marilyn Wilkes, Bobby Scott, Melissa Mobley and Dorrlyn for their unwavering dedication and loving care during his long illness. They would also like to thank Wafa and Hospice for their guidance and care through this difficult time.

The funeral service will be held at Grace Church, (6412 Waters Avenue, Savannah, Ga) on August 20, 2025 with visitation at 12:00 noon followed by the service at 1:00pm.

Interment will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery, (Greenwich) with military honors.

Active pallbearers will be Bobby Tice, Carl Brown, Jimmie Hart, Patrick Sullivan, Reed Tyler and Randy Hiers.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Nancy C. & J. C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (225 Candler Drive, Savannah, Ga 31405).