James Ollie Bevins, born January 25, 1942 in Pike County, Kentucky, passed away peacefully Monday, September 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born to James Bascom and Artie (Hess) Bevins who preceded him in death.
Jim grew up in far eastern Kentucky where modest resources taught him the value of hard work, generosity, and community. Known as Ollie by family and friends in his younger years, Jim helped grow crops, tend to fruit trees, and preserve the harvest alongside his parents and siblings. Some of Jim’s fondest childhood memories were giving his brother Bill piggy-back rides before school, getting a shoebox full of sweets and fruit at Christmas, and going to Pikeville for the first time as a teenager.
Jim’s humble beginnings shaped his fierce loyalty to family and a work ethic second to none. Jim was the first to show up when a neighbor or family member needed help with a repair, a project, or an “extry” set up hands. His willingness to help others was rooted in the values he learned growing up with so little, yet giving so much.
Following graduation from Feds Creek High School, Jim and his family moved to Chillicothe, Ohio to seek different opportunities. Jim and his sister Ruby spent a short amount of time working for the Warwick Corporation in Chicago before returning to southern Ohio. Jim then proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1967. Following his time in the Air Force, Jim worked over 30 years in civil service at Lockbourne Air Force Base, later known as Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. Upon retirement from Rickenbacker, Jim went to work at the Circleville Water Treatment Plant for 13 years. Throughout his career he received many awards and commendations for his hard work and dedicated service.
He cherished summer vacations in his native Kentucky, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Florida beaches as well as a Caribbean cruise. He enjoyed family gatherings, celebrating Christmas, and the Pumpkin Show. He was able to re-visit his roots twice in recent years which brought him immense joy. Jim had a knack for mental math and remained quick witted through his final days. Jim was known for his creativity, craftsmanship, skilled woodworking, and always maintaining his home with pride.
A proud fan of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Circleville Tigers, Jim brought enthusiasm and loyalty to every season.
Admired, respected, loved, and appreciated by all who knew him, Ollie now enters eternal peace with his Lord and Savior, and the many friends and loved ones who went before him. His legacy is one of service, devotion, craftmanship, generosity, deep family love, and above all else, sacrifice.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Connie Lanman, of Circleville; his son Jim Bevins and wife Paula of Delaware, OH; their daughter MaKenzie Scarpitti and her husband Brian of Dublin, OH, and his beloved great-grandchildren, Jane Mabel and Henry Oliver, his namesake. He is also survived by his daughter Jeanie Shaw and her husband Tim of Circleville; their children Nicholas James Shaw (also his namesake) of Portage Lakes, OH and Emma Shaw of Dublin, OH. Jim loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply. Jim is also survived by his sister Ruby Hutchinson of Circleville and his brother Bill (Nancy) Bevins of North Ridgeville, OH. Jim leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow service members.
Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by siblings Zollie Bevins, Josephine “Jo” Thacker, and Bobby Bevins.
It seems fitting that the hardest working man on earth passed away on Labor Day. A proud military veteran, Jim will be laid to rest on Patriot Day, Friday, September 11, 2026.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville. Funeral services will begin Friday, September 11, 2026 at 1:30pm. Burial to follow with military honors in Forest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in Jim’s name.
Online condolences can be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Wellman Funeral Home-Circleville.