James "Jim" Edwin Dinkins

James “Jim” Edwin Dinkins, 87, of Port Orange, Florida, formerly of Leesburg, Georgia, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his residence surrounded by hisloving family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Kinchafoonee Baptist Church. Pastor Chuck Smith will officiate, and interment will follow at Leesburg Cemetery.

James was born in Cario, Georgia, on September 8, 1938, to the late Vassar Ward and Norma Dinkins. He was a proud resident of Leesburg, GA until February 2021. As a young man, he served his country in the United States Air Force for 6 years. He enjoyed a successful career as a manager at Belk downtown department store where he retired after many years.

After retiring from Belk, James and Gayle enjoyed traveling,camping, fishing, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After exploring the country with his family, James worked for Modern Gas for tenyears where he was known in Leesburg as, “The Gas Man.” Following his retirement, James moved to Port Orange, Florida, to be closer to his family.

A loving husband, father and son, James Dinkins was a kind soul who never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings, and survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Gayle Kirby Dinkins of Port Orange, FL. His surviving loved ones include his children: Terri Karol (James); Tracey Williams (Randy); Lee Dinkins; and James Dinkins Jr. (Donna). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ashley, Jamie, Adam, Aaron, Joseph, Ariel, Allison, Zackary, and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Mathews Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.