James William “JW” Elkins II, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Liberty, Texas.
He was born on May 24, 1947, in Liberty, Texas, to William Eugene Elkins and Joyce Ellen Barrow Elkins. He spent most of his early life in Devers, Texas. After graduating from Hardin-Jefferson High School, JW attended Sam Houston State University and then returned home to continue the family tradition of rice farming. He later made his home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he operated a plumbing business before retiring and settling once again in Devers.
JW enjoyed gardening, mowing with his tractor, woodworking, fishing, hunting, attending rodeos and watching classic Westerns. Many friends will remember him spending time at the Raywood Livestock Auction, local feed store, and Line Camp Cowboy Church sharing coffee, conversation, and laughter.
More than anything, JW cherished his family. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the values of hard work, integrity, self-reliance, and maintaining strong family ties. His legacy lives on through the generations he loved and the lessons he passed on to them.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Don Lloyd Elkins.
JW is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Relma Sue Benestante Elkins; daughters, Teri Elkins Longacre and husband Kenneth David Longacre, and Jeri Elkins Bradfield and husband David Alan Bradfield; sons, James William Elkins III and wife Jenny Renee Elkins, and Philip Daniel Elkins and wife Jennifer Smith Elkins; sister, Donna Lynn Elkins Snook and husband Tommy Ray Snook; grandchildren, Alexandra Elaine Elkins, David Aaron Longacre, Makayla Brianne Elkins, Tristen Blake Elkins, Anna Elizabeth Longacre, Preston Hood, Grace Ann Wight, and Jack Phillip Wight; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Line Camp Cowboy Church, 711 Highway 90, Devers, Texas 77538.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, support, and kindness during this time of loss.
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