James Harold Elkins

James Harold Elkins

James Harold Elkins, lifelong resident of the Savannah area, passed away on September 18, 2018 in Savannah at the age of 85.

Harold was born in Guyton, Georgia in 1933 to James Randolph Elkins and Katherine (McKenzie) Elkins.  He was married faithfully to his wife of over 35 years, the late Jessie (Harrison) Elkins. Harold served for over 35 years in the Savannah Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant in 1993.  His accomplishments on the force include becoming a watch commander and director of the Savannah Regional Police Academy. Harold also worked for 10 years with the Housing Authority of Savannah, helping set up anti-drug and crime prevention programs around housing communities in Savannah.  He also served his country in the US Army from 1953-1955, serving in the Army as an MP at Killeen Base, Texas. Harold participated in civic organizations around the Savannah area for many years, including Landrum Lodge #48 Masons, Toastmasters, the Fraternal Order of Police, Board of Directors for Chatham Nursing Home, and the Georgia Salzburger Society.  He was a 1970 graduate of Armstrong State College, and a 1953 graduate of Guyton High School. Harold was an avid sports fan, following Georgia football and almost never missing an Atlanta Braves game on television. He had a sense of humor like no other, and always a smile on his face. Harold attended Thunderbolt Baptist Church for many years.

Harold is preceded in death by his wife Jessie, his parents Randolph and Katherine, his brothers Francis and Joseph, and sisters Katherine and Dorothy.  He is survived by his sons Jonathan Clay Elkins and Christopher Clark Elkins; daughters-in-law Marie (Blair) Elkins and Terri (Gough) Elkins; grandchildren Joshua Harrison Elkins, Jessica Hannah Elkins, Caitlin Elizabeth Elkins, and Christopher Luke Elkins; several nieces and nephews; and companion and dear friend Linda Dunivin.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 21, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Baker McCullough Funeral Home ( Hubert C Baker Chapel). Funeral Service will be held at Baker McCullough Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 am Saturday, September 22, 2018. The Interment will be held at Greenwich Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Savannah.  The family wishes to thank the Progressive Care Unit of St. Joseph's Hospital and Hospice of Savannah for their care of Harold during his recent illness.