Mr. James L. Barkins

He attended public school in the Houston Independent School District.

James married Linda Joyce Garrett in 1973 in Houston, TX. They had one daughter Erica June Barkins (06/25/1975). He worked at Ricos Company and would often supply his family/ friends with popcorn, nacho chips, cheese, and candy. He decided to choose a different career path and moved to greener pastures.

James was married to Audrey M. Harris- Barkins totaling 42 years until he completed his journey on earth.

He began working at William Construction at Shell Oil Refinery in Pasadena, TX. He remained at Shell Oil Refinery for 40 years until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his life he was a jack of ALL trades. He was an antique collector. He truly believed “ONE MAN’S JUNK WAS HIS TREASURE”. He was often seen working on a vehicle underneath a “shade tree”. He knew he could “FIX” anything, even if you had to push the cigarette lighter to open the trunk.

He was the life of the party. He told jokes all day and didn’t care who was in the room. He loved to have a good time. He cut several rugs (DANCED) all over Fifth Ward.

He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Barkins, Sr, his mother Bertha “Maxine” Jones- Perkins, his brother James L. Barkins, Jr, his sons Reginald L. Harris, Lee Edward, Jr., his daughter Betty J. Dunbar, his mother-in-law Josephine Lowe and his grandson Reginald L. Harris, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory Audrey Harris Barkins, his daughter Erica J. Freeman (Reginald), his ex-wife Linda Beverly; stepchildren: Dian Grant, Arthur Dunbar, Errick Harris; his siblings: Patria Anderson, Vernon Anderson, Clifford Barkins, Sylvester Perkins (Michelle) - from Houston. Vergie Barkins, Louise Barkins from Logansport, LA. Uncles: General Williams (Houston), Bobby Joe Williams (Houston), Cookie (Dallas), Aunts: Vera Hodges (Houston), Aunt Jean ( LA), Aunt Ray (Louisiana) His beloved grandchildren (18), Great grandchildren (15), Great Great grandchildren (3) and a host of many other beloved family members and friends.