John Adkins
January 27, 1944 — February 3, 2008
Judge John Robert Adkins died at his home on February 3, 2008, having been born on January 27, 1944. He was the oldest child of Robert E. Adkins and Virginia Smith Adkins.
A graduate of Circleville High School, Kenyon College (1970) and the University of Cincinnati College of Law (1973). He served in the United States Air Force medical corps from 1963-1967. His interest in medicine continued throughout his life, as he was instrumental in establishing the Emergency Medical Services for Circleville. He also was legal advisor for the Ohio Association of Emergency Medical Services and the Ohio Association of Air Medical Services. He was an advocate for a unified Department of Public Safety for Ohio and was appointed by Chancellor of the Department of Education to represent the citizens of Ohio on the newly created Emergency Medical Services Board. After serving as Director of Law for the City of Circleville (1975-84), he was elected Judge of Circleville Municipal Court for Pickaway County in 1990 and served proudly for eighteen years. He lived by the motto "striving for excellence" and is known for his compassion as well as his unique and comedic approach to cases on a daily basis. During his time as judge, he served as Trustee and President of the Municipal/County Judges Association and was chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference for 2007. By appointment of Chief Justice Moyer, he served on the Rules of Superintendence Advisory Committee and chaired the "Indigent/Pro Se Task Force." Known for being proactive and innovative in court procedures and technology, John served as faculty for the Ohio Judicial College and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; he was also active on the traffic subcommittee of the Criminal Sentencing Committee. Nominated for a national traffic safety award by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, he was selected for membership as one of 100 judges from throughout the country to the National Judicial Leadership Conference. He served locally as Chairman of United Way and Chairman of Leukemia Society. Throughout his life he has been recognized locally, within the state and nationally for his hard work and dedication to serving the community. Many of his awards have been for his exceptional efforts in dealing with impaired drivers. He was a pilot, motorcyclist and his pride and joy was his family.
He is survived by his wife, Beth (Skinner); sons, Ryan and Taylor; daughters, Shannon, Kirsten and Kendall; granddaughter Sabre and brother Bill. Services are under the direction of Wellman Funeral Home of Circleville with visitation hours 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 6 and 2-8 p.m. Thursday, February 7, with his celebration of life service to be held 2 p.m. Friday, February 7 at Village Chapel United Methodist Church in Ashville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Village Chapel United Methodist Church, 30 Circleville Ave. Ashville, 43103;Teays Valley Relay for Life, 110 Park St. Ashville, 43103; Pickaway County Hospice, 600 N. Pickaway St. Circleville 43113; or Pickaway County Community Foundation, P.O. box 3 Circleville, OH 43113. They also would appreciate fond memories and stories to be put in writing at Wellman Funeral Home or in advance at WellmanFuneralHomes.com
A graduate of Circleville High School, Kenyon College (1970) and the University of Cincinnati College of Law (1973). He served in the United States Air Force medical corps from 1963-1967. His interest in medicine continued throughout his life, as he was instrumental in establishing the Emergency Medical Services for Circleville. He also was legal advisor for the Ohio Association of Emergency Medical Services and the Ohio Association of Air Medical Services. He was an advocate for a unified Department of Public Safety for Ohio and was appointed by Chancellor of the Department of Education to represent the citizens of Ohio on the newly created Emergency Medical Services Board. After serving as Director of Law for the City of Circleville (1975-84), he was elected Judge of Circleville Municipal Court for Pickaway County in 1990 and served proudly for eighteen years. He lived by the motto "striving for excellence" and is known for his compassion as well as his unique and comedic approach to cases on a daily basis. During his time as judge, he served as Trustee and President of the Municipal/County Judges Association and was chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference for 2007. By appointment of Chief Justice Moyer, he served on the Rules of Superintendence Advisory Committee and chaired the "Indigent/Pro Se Task Force." Known for being proactive and innovative in court procedures and technology, John served as faculty for the Ohio Judicial College and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; he was also active on the traffic subcommittee of the Criminal Sentencing Committee. Nominated for a national traffic safety award by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, he was selected for membership as one of 100 judges from throughout the country to the National Judicial Leadership Conference. He served locally as Chairman of United Way and Chairman of Leukemia Society. Throughout his life he has been recognized locally, within the state and nationally for his hard work and dedication to serving the community. Many of his awards have been for his exceptional efforts in dealing with impaired drivers. He was a pilot, motorcyclist and his pride and joy was his family.
He is survived by his wife, Beth (Skinner); sons, Ryan and Taylor; daughters, Shannon, Kirsten and Kendall; granddaughter Sabre and brother Bill. Services are under the direction of Wellman Funeral Home of Circleville with visitation hours 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 6 and 2-8 p.m. Thursday, February 7, with his celebration of life service to be held 2 p.m. Friday, February 7 at Village Chapel United Methodist Church in Ashville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Village Chapel United Methodist Church, 30 Circleville Ave. Ashville, 43103;Teays Valley Relay for Life, 110 Park St. Ashville, 43103; Pickaway County Hospice, 600 N. Pickaway St. Circleville 43113; or Pickaway County Community Foundation, P.O. box 3 Circleville, OH 43113. They also would appreciate fond memories and stories to be put in writing at Wellman Funeral Home or in advance at WellmanFuneralHomes.com
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