James Norman Askins, 77, of Fenton died May 29, 2023, in Fenton. Mr. Askins was retired and had been a police officer and a Schnucks maintenance worker and had been employed at Denny Dennis Sporting Goods in the Fenton area. He served in the Army and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. He enjoyed hunting, camping, shooting, motorcycle riding, going for walks with his wife and spending time with his dog. Born March 18, 1946, in Cherryville, he was the son of the late Mary and Ines Conaway and Norman Askins.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Patricia (Renaud) Askins of Fenton; four children: Theresa (Ronald) DeWitt of Byrnes Mill, Vincent (Christine) Askins of Fenton, Jeffrey (Andie) Askins of House Springs and Rebecca Bailey of House Springs; seven grandchildren: Abigail (Dan) Smith, Alexandria (Andrew) Gerstner, Bryanna (Eli Carroll) Bailey, Blake Bailey, Bridget Bailey, Joshua Askins and Taylor (Connor) St. John; a brother-in-law: Dean Ellsworth; a friend of 55 years: James Rohr; his dog: Jasper; and many other friends and family members.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Rachel Askins; and a sister: Judy Ellsworth.
A memorial service will be held from 1 p.m. until a funeral service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, at J.B. Smith Funeral Home, 777 Oakwood Dr., in Fenton, officiated by pastor Dan Ross. Cremation will take place prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of J.B. Smith Funeral Homes.