Dr. James A. Adkinson, age 76, died peacefully on Friday, March 26, after a long battle with cancer. His wife, Sue, and his son, Jim, were with him when he got his wings.

James was born in Dothan, the son of J.C. and Mary Pearl Spooner Adkinson. He graduated from Troy University with a B.S. in biology, Samford University with a B.S. in pharmacy and the University of Arkansas School of Medical Arts and Sciences with a doctorate in clinical pharmacology. He practiced retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, Director of Pharmacy at Providence Hospital in Mobile and was in clinical research with Merck Pharmaceutical Co. He owned a compounding pharmacy as well and had 5 US patents.

He retired at an early age and enjoyed his many hobbies, which included flying his airplane, riding motorcycles and sports cars, boating, sailing and fishing.

He moved to Florida in 2011 with his wife, Sue Johnson Adkinson, in anticipation of the birth of his sweet baby girl, Audrey Claire, in 2012. He got a bonus with Parker James , his buddy boy, in 2014. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, J.C.Adkinson, Jr. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years,Sue, son, Jim, his daughter in love, Jill, and Audrey and Parker. He is also survived by two daughters, Tammi and Pam and their children and several cousins.

No service will be held. His ashes will be dispersed by his wife and son at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Felines Under Rescue (FUR), P.O. Box 1788, Dothan, AL 36302-1788.