My name is James Adkins. I have been the automotive instructor here at South Mecklenburg High School since 2006. Before that I spent 25 years in the automotive industry as a technician and manager. One of my responsibilities is keeping the automotive program at South Meck NATEF certified. This is a national certification through the ASE Education Foundation that is renewed every 5 years. I personally hold 10 current ASE certifications including Master Technician, Advanced Drivability, and G-1. These ASE certifications must be renewed every 5 years also.
My wife, Kim, and I have been married since 1983 and we moved to the Charlotte area in 1992. We’ve been blessed with two daughters. Our oldest, Ashley, is the administrator for the CMS Graphic Production Center. Our youngest, Chelsea, is a registered nurse at Duke University Hospital. In March 2015, we were blessed with Landyn, our granddaughter. Kim also works for CMS at Hawk Ridge Elementary as the after school coordinator. When we are not working, we enjoy family trips to the beach and camping in Atlanta to watch the Braves. I also enjoy home repair and remodeling projects. To that end, I am trying to build my handyman business when I’m not teaching. I also coach the women's softball team here at South Meck.