James C. Adkerson (aka J.C., Jay, Jim, Okie), 86, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2015 at his home in Sedro-Woolley.

J.C. was born on February 9, 1929, in Sayre, Oklahoma, the second child of Fred and Herma Adkerson.  He was married to Florence Welch in 1948 in Portland, Oregon.  They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in February.

J.C. spent his life working hard, starting as a young boy during Oklahoma’s dust bowl days.  He and Florence moved to Washington after they married.  J.C. worked in logging and lumber mills, but spent most of his life farming.  He was proud of his Oklahoma roots and enjoyed telling stories of his exploits while growing up around Sayre.

J.C. loved fishing on the Skagit, hunting, watching bull riding, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Florence; sons, Larry (Terry) Adkerson, Don (Jan) Adkerson, all of Sedro-Woolley; daughter, Judy (Rick) Kiesser of  Anacortes; grandchildren, Corey Kiesser, Traci Kiesser, Kerra Irwin, Guyle Adkerson, D.J. Adkerson, Amanda Linde and Donnie Adkerson; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyece Lee, and several aunts and uncles.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 30, 2015 at the Bow Cemetery, 15946 Bow Cemetery Road, Bow, WA.  A time of visitation will available from 11:00 to 6:00 on Thursday at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  All are invited to a Celebration of Life immediately following the service at Blanchard Community Club, 3606 Legg Road, Bow, Washington.