James Ray Eddins April 19, 1953 - May 25, 2008 Jim Eddins, 55, of Austin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while camping on the banks of North Grape Creek in Blanco County. Jim was born in Corpus Christi on April 19, 1953 to Jack and Jean (Saunders) Eddins. He lived in San Antonio from 1960 to 1965 when his family moved to Austin. He graduated from McCallum High School in 1971 and attended the University of Texas. He worked as a sales representative for Avnet (formerly Hallmark Electronics) for nearly 33 years and won numerous awards for his sales successes. He was known about the office both for his knowledge and his great sense of humor. Jim married Emily Ripperger on August 9, 1975 and they welcomed Michael Nelson Eddins into their family on February 9, 1987. Jim was devoted to working with Boy Scout Troop 3 in Austin as a parent volunteer and was an exemplary role model for several generations of boys. He accompanied the troop on monthly camping trips and numerous special summer trips helping boys to have opportunities to expand their experience and develop their leadership skills in the context of outdoor learning. He was known for his supreme organizational and planning skills and always having the right gadget to help get the job done. Jim was also known for always having a joke to tell, expertly using humor to enliven, cheer, gently inform, or lighten tense situations. His self-assured presence provided calming and confidence for those around him. He loved being outside camping, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, or just enjoying nature with his family and friends. He read extensively and was very knowledgeable about many topics, especially natural history, military history, and Native American history. In addition, Jim was an avid golfer often arriving at the Hancock golf course before dawn to be the first to hit the greens. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Emily; son, Michael; parents, Jack and Jean Eddins; brother, John Eddins and sister-in-law, Rickie Eddins; nieces, Jennifer Vissers of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and Jackie Eddins; and brother, Jeff Eddins and numerous other relatives and friends. We will all miss him tremendously. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00 p.m. at the Northwest Hills United Methodist Church where Jim was a charter member and where his friends and family have so many fond memories of him and his involvement in Troop 3. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Boy Scout Troop 3 of the Northwest Hills United Methodist Church of Austin, 7050 Village Center Dr., Austin, TX 78731, The First Tee of Greater Austin (www.firstteeaus tin.org), the Lutheran Social Services of the South (www.lsss.org), or to another organization of choice. Please join us in honoring Jim by visiting our Memorial at http://www.mem.com Through this site we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?pid=110582404#sthash.AY8EChDV.dpuf