James Robert Haskins, 77, of Starkville, MS, passed away at home on
November 8, 2024. He was born January 26, 1947, in Dekalb, MS, and was a
longtime member of Adaton Baptist Church. After Jim graduated from Dekalb
High School in 1965, he earned an Associate’s degree from East Mississippi
Junior College in 1967, then a B.S. in 1970 and an M.S. in 1971 from Mississippi
State University. He was an entomologist at the Bureau of Plant Industry for 28
years. He was President of the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory
Officials (ASPCRO) from 2000-2001, and he was inducted into the Mississippi
Pest Control Association (MPCA) “Hall of Fame” in 2001.
He went to the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship School, and was a
member of Local Union #714 (Columbus), after receiving his Journeyman Card.
He was in the U.S. Navy from 1971 to 1975—and was stationed at Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina.
He was an avid gardener, who grew the best vegetables that anyone ever tasted.
He caught more fish than his family and friends could eat, and he took joy in
hunting and cooking and watching every sporting event in every season. He was
an outdoor enthusiast, who loved nature from beach to mountains, and from
pond to stream. He cherished his church, and he was always ready to help,
advise, or fuss. One of his favorite things was sitting by the fire and drinking
coffee with his beloved grandson Ambrose on his lap.
He was preceded in death by his father Jamie R. Haskins and his mother Nancy
C. Haskins, both of Dekalb. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Arlene
Bruton Haskins, whom he started dating when he was 15 years old. He is also
survived by his daughter Holly A. Crocker of Columbia, SC, and his son Matt
Haskins of Hattiesburg, MS. Other survivors include his sister, Peggy Pearson,
his son-in-law, Tommy Crocker, his grandson, Ambrose Crocker, and a host of
family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 12-2 pm, with the
funeral service at 2, and the graveside service and burial immediately
afterwards—all at Adaton Baptist Church.
Pallbearers:
Phillip Haskins
Jerry Haskins
Don Pearson
Dan Pearson
Ronnie Tiffin
Bruce Jackson
Jimmie Lee White
Honorary Pallbearers:
Sunday School Class
Heart-felt thanks to the physicians and staff who cared for Jim at Regional One
Hospital, Memphis, TN, and to the nurses and caregivers at Gentiva Hospice.
Special thanks to Angie and Bubba Forrester, Gloria and Chris Carden, Jeffrie
Bruton and Amy Abernathy, and Reannon West.
