James H. Hankins

Rev. Dr. James Herbert Hankins United Methodist Pastor Lakeland: James (Jim) Hankins, 82, left his earthly home to be with his Lord on December 10, 2013 due to lung cancer. He was born on March 10, 1931 to Rev. Leroy and Florence Hankins in Cedar Bluff, VA. Dr. Hankins was an active minister in the United Methodist Church for 43 years. He and his beloved wife, Eleanor, were also missionaries for 14 years in Liberia, West Africa. He began his ministry in the Holston Conference and then joined the Florida United Methodist Conference in 1973 after returning from missionary work in West Africa. He served appointments as the associate minister of Jacksonville First United Methodist Church and senior minister at Hendricks Memorial Church in Jacksonville, FL, followed by ministries at Titusville First United Methodist Church. His final appointment was served in Lakeland, FL after being appointed as the Executive Director, Division of Ministry of the Florida Annual Conference. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor and their children: Dr. David Hankins of Lakeland, FL, Merri Hankins (Bill Hunt) of Arlington, VA, Rebecca Ivey (Barry) of Orlando, FL, and Dr. Steven Hankins (Yan Hua) of Honolulu, HI, as well as eight grandchildren. Brothers, Rev. John Paul Hankins (Willaine) of Stoney Brook, NY and Rev. Robert Hankins (Carolyn) of Whiteville, NC, also survive him. A visitation will be held on December 26, 2013 from 5-7 P.M. at Heath Funeral Chapel in the Tribute Center. We will celebrate his life, and life to come, on December 27, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of his lifelong service be made to the Habitat for Humanity, and/or the first United Methodist Memorial Fund Lakeland, FL. Service: 12/27/2013 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive Heath Funeral Chapel-Tribute Center Visitation: 12/26/2013 Heath Funeral Chapel-Tribute Center