SURRY — Lt. Col. (Ret) James Clark Judkins Jr. 72, of Surry County passed away on March 12, 2018. Lt. Col. Judkins, known to family and friends as “Jim” or “Judd,” was born and raised in Surry County to Mr. James Clark Judkins and Mrs. Jacqueline Edwards Judkins.  He cherished his family’s farm on White Marsh Road near Bacon’s Castle and enjoyed sharing his homestead with family, friends and the community. 

He held a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska, and a master’s degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.  

Jim was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces.  Lt. Col. Judkins served with valor and distinction in the Vietnam War.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with Combat Valor (“V”) devices and two Purple Hearts received in recognition of serious wounds he incurred in battle.  After his retirement from the Army, he continued to serve his country in a civilian capacity, again deploying multiple times overseas.  He worked full-time up until days before his passing.  

Lt. Col. Judkins leaves his long-time partner, Teresa M. Gregus; his children, Sandra Judkins Gutierrez of Great Falls and J.C. Judkins of Surry; his son-in-law, Col. Moises Gutierrez; and grandchildren, Miranda Star, Amber Sky Judkins and Carson James Gutierrez. 

He will be remembered with great honor for his tireless service to the nation and sorely missed by legions of friends and admirers. 

The family will receive friends Friday, March 16, 6-7:30 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield.

There will be a Mass Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. at the St. Mathews Anglican Church, 215 Main St., Newport News, followed by a memorial service at Little’s Funeral Home, 1515 S. Church St., Smithfield, at 1 pm. 

Jim will be laid to rest with full military honors at Bacon’s Castle Cemetery immediately following the services.  

The family will also receive friends at Bacon’s Castle Manor House, 465 Bacon’s Castle Trail, Surry, following the graveside service. 

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be sent to St. Mathews Anglican Church, P O Box 11315, Newport News, VA 23601, The American Heart Association, www.heart.org, or the Boys Scouts of America, Troop 915 and Troop 27, 1252 Gate Wood Rd, Newport News, VA 23601.  

Condolences may be registered online at www.littlesfuneralhome.com