Jim “Jimbo” Elkins
In Loving Memory of Jimbo
December 1, 1962-May 16, 2025
A Life Lived to the Fullest
When Jimbo entered our world on December 1, 1962, Earth had to brace itself for someone who would truly live life to the fullest.
Mischief found Jimbo early – and he carried it proudly throughout his days. If something could be done, Jimbo did it, and he did it with style. From riding bikes, motorcycles, to climbing water towers, swimming naked in any body of water, and giving every teacher he had a headache, Jimbo was a true original. He gave his family more than a few gray hairs, but oh, how he enjoyed life.
A Natural with Machines- and with People
At a young age Jimbo learned how to operate heavy equipment and quickly became fascinated by cranes. He worked his way up in the industry, flipping a few cherry pickers along the way – but always with determination and grit.
Hunting, however, was his passion. When hunting season came around, Jimbo had already saved his money – because one thing was certain; he did not work during hunting season. That was his rule.
A Heart Full of Love
As he grew older, Jimbo’s priorities shifted to his daughter Keira -and his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. His heart was huge, and he shared his passions with everyone around him. It was not unusual to receive a phone call from Jimbo inviting you to a game, a hunting trip, or just a cold brew.
He loved to entertain – whether with crawfish boils, gumbo, or good old-fashioned fun. And if the moment called for it, he was not shy about jumping on a table for a dance. Jimbo knew how to enjoy the ride!
A Legacy that Echoes in Heaven
Heaven will never be the same. In fact, we say a special prayer for Jesus-because he might just need a good pair of earplugs.
Jimbo, we hope there is a giant TV up there, because we will be watching those games with you in spirit. You have left your mark on countless hearts, and your memory is a blessing to all of us.
A Note of Faith and Gratitude
A special thanks to Nelson Little for leading Jimbo to Christ in March of this year. Julie, Keira, and Iris prayed with him often at home and in the hospital. One day, Julie Meadows overheard Jimbo praying when he thought no one was listening. These were his words:
“Mr. God, I love you. I’m not afraid to die. Thank you for all my friends. I’m not even sure I’m talking to you right. Amen.”
We love you, Jimbo. You will never be forgotten!
Tributes:
A Sister’s Tribute- From Iris, Jimbo’s Baby Sister
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Heaven welcomed a “misunderstood angel” at its gates. I say “misunderstood” because with Jimbo, you either loved him or…well, you didn’t. There was no in-between. And if you didn’t, it was probably because he told you the honest truth about something you didn’t want to hear. That was Jimbo-fun loving, big-hearted, and a true prankster. If he wasn’t joking or picking on someone, it usually meant something serious was on his mind-probably work. Jimbo was a hardworking man who could operate any piece of equipment, any time, any day.
And if Jimbo really loved you, you got a nickname. Just a few classics, Nosy Rosie, Porky, Buzzard Head, Mr. Magoo, and Mother Goose.
Jimbo has a lifelong love for frog hunting and things outdoors. I’ll never forget one Thanksgiving break when I came home from school. Our mom asked if I had plans with the guy I was dating, and I told her no- because he said it was “opening weekend.” I didn’t understand what that meant at the time. But if you knew Jimbo, you knew. My parents had to explain hunting seasons to me and from then on, it all made sense.
Jimbo had been a good cook since high school. He enrolled in home economics, thinking it would be an easy class. But poor Mrs. Boudreaux had to call Mom so many times, I don’t think she had any hair left by the time he finished the class.
One of my favorite memories was in May 1981, when Jimbo graduated from Hamshire Fannett High School. It felt like a miracle! He got the only standing ovations. I still don’t know who was more relieved-the school staff (including the substitute teachers!) or our family.
Fast forward to 1997, I remember when Lisa called me to say she was pregnant with Keira. She asked how she should tell Jimbo. I said, “Why don’t you cook him a nice dinner and tell him during the meal?” Wellllll, that plan worked because Jimbo knew something was up the moment Lisa started cooking!
While Keira and I were speaking recently she told me, “He was the greatest dad anyone could ever ask for.” He never had to spank her and if he ever did, he probably would’ve cried. When Keira was 16, she wrecked his Dodge Charger after coming home from shopping. Jimbo didn’t yell. He just turned a blind eye. That’s the kind of dad he was.
Jimbo was always the life of the party. He never met a stranger. He’d talk to anyone and everyone-and if he could BS with you, he was happy. He loved life. He was the biggest, best baby brother a girl could have, even though I’m the baby of the family.
I know he’s up there with Mom and Dad and a whole crowd of friends, catching up on everything. I just hope he’s not stirring up too much trouble in Heaven.
The world won’t be the same without our loving Jimbo in it
We love you forever,
Iris
A Sister’s Tribute- From Big Sister, Rose (Rosie),
When Jim was about 3-4 months old, I was changing his diapers back when they were only cloth diapers with a diaper pin. Jim had pushed his feet and went off bed on his head. At first, I was scared to tell our Mom, but eventually, I gained the courage to tell our mom. We watched him for a few hours and kept him awake for hours. What a scare that was and probably made him the way he was for the rest of his life!
Moving forward, Gil and I (Gil was his new brother-in-law), had just bought a new beach house and at the time, Gil had only been in the family for 4 months. Jim was in the yard throwing the football up in the air and playing around. Gil hollered at him, “Do you want me to throw you a hike?” Jim replies, “Okay!” So Gil went down and started the countdown… 1,2,3. And off they went! Gil threw the ball and Jim caught it, then kicked it. Well, Jim didn’t realize that Gil was a Marine, and a strong one at that. So by the time that Jim had kicked the football and went back for it, both were on the ground and Gil definitely left him tumbled to the ground! After watching some football shenanigans, we had hot dogs later on that afternoon. Jim was sitting next to Gil and Jim’s weiner fell on the floor. Gil said to Jim, “Pick that up.” So Jim went down on the floor and went under the table and knew the perfect way to get back at Gil from the football tackle earlier. He proceeded to stab his toes with a fork and Gil quickly learned to not mess around with Jim for a very looooonnnngggg time. Reminiscing back on this story, Jim said “Gil should have torn him up because Daddy wanted to tear me up.” Jim will always remember those funny moments with Gil.
The last memory of many, many memories I have were of the world that Jim knows best. Jim was playing with one of Gary’s Tonka dump trucks in the yard and naming the hole he had with it. Mom had asked him what he was doing and Jim said, “I have a dirt pit!” Here we are now, Jim has 2 dirt pits he owns and is so proud of the work he has done over the years. I am proud to be his sister and love my little brother!
Love you little brother!
Your big sister,
Rose
A Sister’s Tribute- From Pearl, Pauline,
Jimbo loved just about everyone! He knew someone in just about any place he had been to, there was no denying that! All he had to do was to call someone and hook you up! He was loved by all who cared to really know him. Jimbo will always be such a hometown man that his family really loved most about him. I still carry a picture of him from when he was 13 years old in my wallet. The photo of him is one I remember well because the shirt he is wearing is a shirt that I had bought for him for picture week! Guess who wore that shirt to picture day?! I love that school picture of him and will always carry that photo in my wallet. It’s been in my wallet for over 50 years and don’t plan on having it anywhere else.
It definitely has been a hard couple of weeks and we are trying to keep a smile on our face for Jimbo. We are so blessed with all the friends and familiar faces who have come to visit Jimbo before his passing. The morning of his passing, I was there with him till the second he was gone. I am glad to have been by his side and no matter what happened, I always loved him. I will always love you more brother!
Thank you for being my big brother,
Pauline
Survivors include his daughter, Keira Elkins and her husband, Hunter Teague, of League City; sisters, Rose Marie Elkins Hester; Pauline Elkins Breaux and her husband, Ricky; and Iris Elkins Myers and her husband, Roger, all of Fannett; brother, Gary Elkins of Nederland; and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Gary Elkins; brother, Alex Elkins; and nephew, Little Ricky Breaux.
A gathering of Jimbo’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 23,2025 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Landrum Cemetery, Fannett.
As a tribute to Jimbo, go to the Pine Tree Lodge and have a drink in his honor
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 23, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 24, 2025
- 10:00 am
Interment
Landrum Cemetery-Fannett
- 14181, Texas 124, Beaumont, Texas, 77705,
- May 24, 2025
Happy Heavenly Birthday ❤️
I am just now hearing about your passing. I am just blown away. The one thing I can say, is that you left me with the best memories. Angels fly high, spread your wings dear, it’s what you do best.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers of peace for the family. Jimbo was a unique individual who will be fondly remembered by so many in the community. Rest in peace and fly high!
To all of the family sorry to hear about Jimbo’s passing our Dads were friends so naturally we were friends too I remember the many times Jimbo,Scooter and venturing out to Hunt or Fish, I would always tell Jimbo I didn’t have a license he would say you don’t need one and we would head out .until we meet again old friend.
Sorry too hear of the passing of Jimbo may god wrap his loving arms around the family and give you peace.
Can’t be in Beaumont today, but I can go to Crook’s Palace and have one last round with Gary Bill, Hank, Jean and Jimbo. Condolences to all that knew and loved him. Cheers!!!
Thanks Cuz that picture was taken in The Crooks iin 1986 or 87 when we moved Gary Bill back to Fannett. Put flags on your mom and dad’s Graves fir Memorial Day
Jimbo was my little Brother… he made my life crazy !water my concerts TSHIRTS from the concerts I went too ! My cars trucks what ever I had he took !
I always had to overcome his way of thinking 💭 …., I forgave him many times & many years ago… I was the one my his side when he took his last breath…, He will always be on my shoulder, keeping safe so I can be with my babies that he loved !
He enjoyed looking at his camera and find Marco walking around in his house looking at all the animals on the walls turkey on the table. He couldn’t believe he had a turkey on the table his stuffed turkey. Jim always told him he could have it one day. I love my kids I love my grandchildren more and that little Marco was gonna be his hunting buddy and fishing, buddy. I never got to go, but Marco, he’ll be OK. He’s got more fishing pose than a six-year-old should ever own and he can care that sucker so far and catch fish every time he throws it in the hole practically life’s gonna be good. We got Jimbo on our shoulders making sure everything’s OK. Gotta stop now. I’m crying too hard. …Love you. More !
Hope this makes scene … crying & all of this is to much …
You did good sister. It was good the lord put us more in his life the past year. We made the time to help him out
Keira and family I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m feeling that same loss. I will truly miss my friend. I could get so aggravated at him but I loved him dearly. We had great times getting our Astros to the World Series🧡⚾️💙 Thank you Jimbo for your friendship. Carry on you did it your way❤️🥰
I was so sorry to hear of Jimbo’s passing if you knew him you loved him there will never be anyone else like him in this town everytime I ever saw him he hollered my name out and said don’t act like you don’t know me always got a hug to I will miss you my friend rest easy now . Tammy Hargraves
I remember seeing Jimbo when he was just 14. Something about him was unique to me. He was always thinking about his life path, planning in his mind about his future and family. We were both in construction so over the years, we would see each other on a job, at a car dealership, and Pinetree Lodge. He had the gift of gab and he would say what was on his mind to anyone who needed it. He will be missed in the Bayou Community and the Game Warden can sleep at night.
Just learned of Jimbos passing, so sorry for the families loss. He was one of a kind. Thoughts and Prayers for the family.
Our Most Sincere Condolences to the Elkins Family. To know Jimbo was to love him,and that we did. The Rodeo days and Astros games will never be the same without you. We will miss you Our Friend. Rest Easy!
Pauline, family and friends of Jimbo. I am sorry he will no longer be with you here. I am glad to hear he found Christ recently. He is now in a better place and pain free. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Dolly Rush and Ervin Wright
Sad to hear about Jimbo, I knew him since he was about 12 years old. Praying that you all find comfort, love, and peace in your memories of him. God bless, rest in peace Jim.
Gosh I’m not sure where to start. I have known Jimbo most all my life, and got to go to a couple of Dallas games and deer lease with him. He always showed you a good time. But the last 4-5 months were very different. He came to me back in January asking to stay the night because he was scared to stay alone little did I know that would be most every night even the nights I told him I was tired and he needed to stay home he still showed up. He was sick then but wouldn’t go to Dr. I am a believer that God puts us where we need to be and I think my time with him was to get him to know God and show him what true friendship was. I have held his hand while he cried over a girlfriend, literally held him because he was scared or sad. I have had to watch Gilligans Island every morning and gold rush in the evening and have heard the same stories on the same people until I could have screamed! But I didn’t because I wanted him to know how true friendship felt! And I never gave up on him ! I want to thank his family for making me feel apart of them. I want to thank his daughter for letting me stay with him!( he was so proud of you)! And mostly my heart is full because he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. You will always have a place in my heart Jimbo. Until we meet again your friend ~Ju
We love you beyond words Julie! Thank you so so much for being there for him when he felt alone. He loved you beyond words and there wasn’t a day that passed that he wanted to call you or for you to be there. We are so glad you are a part of our family and his true friend forever!
Thank you Ju 😊 💓 you became Jim’s true friend. He told me you’ll were just good friends. He wanted someone to talk to b and be with. He loved being around your Mother. Thank you …..Thank you…..for
Being there for Jim!! Telling to be nice to Rosie. Love you ladybug for being there it ment a lot ❤️♥️to all of us.
You’re truly missed Jimbo. Great times we shared. I’m glad o got to see you before you left. God bless.
So sorry to hear of his passing, praying for all the family.
Sorry for your loss. Jimbo will be missed. Such a kind and generous heart. Saw him last years ago at an astros game seated right in front of us. True to Jimbos style he sent a round of beer to us. RIP JIMBO
August 29, 2008-May 16, 2025 ❤️
Wearing red. Our color.
Hi Rhonda. This is mama Linda from Crystal beach. Around 2001 we met ! Love ya ! And he told me yall finally got married and he loved ya so much . Good man !
Linda, “Mama Linda”, Jimbo loved you! I know he drove you crazy sometimes but you took it well.
I’m reading all the things people are saying and but it appears each person adds a twist. Understandable as he was accepted by most with their own interpretations. I remember when I first met him and he shared some really heartfelt, personal things with me. I guess he felt comfortable doing so. There was no judgment, quite the opposite. Those deep conversations and truly understanding the man most didn’t see is what kept me answering the phone, the door, and hearing him out. He always told me and Jeremy he loved us. That’s the Jimbo people either don’t know or close their minds to. I appreciate you acknowledging that he did have a wife he loved but if you knew him, you knew the complexities that come with a relationship with him.
No judgment to those who have their own feelings about me or my son.
God is a God of us all. Jimbo in the presence of our God. He’s not worried about human pettiness today.
Much love, Linda
Our Sincere Condolences to our Elkins friends. We will always remember Jimbo’s , laugh, smile, love, and he loved life to the fullest. Rest In Peace Jimbo, we love you! 🙏🕊️😇🦋
So sorry for your loss… rest in peace our friend… prayers for all.
Rest in peace jimbo
So so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sending Prayers for the family.🙏🙏🙏
Doug and Sandy Choate
Jim is my little brother who I loved dearly ❤️ like I do my other brother and sisters. Blam me if you thought something wrong with him. I was changing his diaper as a baby and he flipped off the bed to the floor on his head. He did not cry. Mama checked him out said “he will be OK.”
I bought him his first truck when he graduated from High School. Signed for his Silverado. Helped him throughout his life.
He started his Elkins Tractor and Hauling Serviced making me proud to be his sister.
He loved his daughter, Keira more than life itself. If you knew Jim I am quite sure you know that.
Once Jim knew he had Cancer in just a few weeks he left us at home in his bed like he wanted. Keira was by his side for over 2 weeks from the beginning.
Thank you the friends who helped out with his care. Julie you were a champ before being sick and sick.
Jim I know you are with Mom and Dad so be good up there. I will see you soon when it’s my time.
Everyone is wearing Cowboys clothes just for you at the funeral. Jim Broussard maded it happen on Saturday as we’re your wishes.
You were such a fan of the Dallas Cowboys ever since I gave you the Cowboy football outfit for Christmas when you were 7.
Love you little brother happy dreams,
You big sister,
Rose Marie Elkins Hester
I am sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and strength for his family & friends.
My buddy my friend
I will miss our talks and your text messages. Normally with a dirty joke or two lol
I am glad I got to spend the last 4 days with you. It was hard but I would not have had it any other way. I love you brother. See ya again one day.
As a schoolmate, I remember Jimbo fondly. My prayers go out to his family, especially Pauline,as I knew her the best of all his family. My maiden name is Melinda Sanders. Rest in peace Jimbo.
So sorry for ya’lls loss, Jimbo was one of a kind I will miss seeing him hollering at me to come sat by him, R.I.P. my friend.🙏🏻🙏🏻
That is an awesome photo of Jimbo that totally captures his spirit and his infectious smile. we toasted him Friday night at Tia’s in Winnie. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. I’m sorry I can’t attend due to being on vacation but y’all are in my heart and I loved that guy! We have lots of memories. Hope we can catch up soon. He will be missed….
jimbo lived his life to the fullest fly high
My deepest condolences. If you knew him you know that one name would tell you need to know (Jimbo). Rest easy ole friend.
You can list Jimbo’s faults a mile long, but you can’t deny his generosity and big heart. He will be greatly missed. RIP, Jimbo. Many prayers for his family.