James L. Harkins

5-25-1938 -- 8-6-2016

J. Lynn Harkins, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his side - Dottie, Willene and Billy in Ormond Beach, FL.

Lynn was born in Bethel, NC. His parents are the late Wilson H. Harkins and Isabel Blaylock Harkins. Also preceded in death is his sister, Jeanie Harkins Matthews. Lynn is survived by his former wife and caregiver Dottie Harkins, daughter, Willene Wilson and grandson, Billy Wilson. Lynn is also survived by his niece, Lisa Matthews Duke, her daughters, Jeanie Elizabeth Shults and Ruby Lucile Duke in Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Lynn served in the United States Air Force, but his career started with the Haywood County Rescue Squad. He then went on to teaching fire and rescue with the Dept. of Insurance, Fire and Rescue Training Division in Raleigh, N.C. Along with Dr. Trevor Hughes, he taught CPR to medical students at the University of N.C. in Chapel Hill. He continued teaching in Denver, CO and San Francisco, CA. He then went on to Valdez, Alaska, where he served as Deputy Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Medical Services. Upon retirement he returned to North Carolina. He loved his job, rescuing and saving lives. It was his purpose, passion and desire in life. Willene and Billy have a wealth of articles and stories on his heroism, as well as the peoples lives he saved that they will cherish.

Special thanks go to Kim Conard of Bethel, NC, for all his assistance and friendship to Lynn over many years. He was considered by Lynn to be the son he never had. In addition, special thanks go to Phyllis "Sissy" Ratcliffe and Marti Morrow, for their love and support before Lynn and Willene traveled to Florida because of his health issues.

Lynn was a member of the Waynesville Presbyterian Church. It was his request that no services be held. Condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com Arrangements under the direction of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach, FL.