James Roy Atkinson
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - October 25, 2020
Jim Atkinson died peacefully
at the Hospice Care Center
on October 20, with his wife,
Laura, by his side. Jim was 94,
born on July 4, 1926, and he was
definitely a “firecracker” of a
man.
Jim was born in Des Moines,
Iowa, to parents Velma and
William Atkinson and joined older brother and sister, Willie and
Frances. The family moved to Denver is 1929, where Jim attended
East High School and was very active in football, tennis and of
course, cars.
Jim joined the Armed Forces when he was 16 years old and served
in WWII, as a sergeant in New Guinea. After he returned home
from the Army he joined the Navy where he served as a gunner on
the ship Isaac I Stevenson.
In 1950, after he returned from the Navy he married Jean
Leonard and had two daughters, Joy and Jan “Billie”. He started his
radiology adventure in school in upstate New York. This career took
him to San Diego, LA, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas and Albuquerque.
Jim went to engineering school in Dallas and then went to take care
of his wife’s family farm in Morrell, Nebraska.
He moved back to Denver, bought a western store and supported
his daughters in Western Aires. The three would travel with the
horses to CO, WY, NM, KS, and Calgary Canada. These memories
for Jim were precious. He then worked for Martin Marietta for nine
years before moving to Grand Junction.
There he worked as a construction contractor and met Alice
Harrington; they were married for 23 years before she passed away.
Jim met his current wife, Laura, in Grand Junction and was married
for 15 years.
Jim was involved in community service and held many prestigious
positions in the Elks, Eagles, Moose, Lions and the Masons.
He loved all of the organizations he belonged to and selflessly
participated in many hours of community service. Jim loved to play
golf, cards, and pool, and was an excellent dancer!
Jim is predeceased by William and Velma Atkinson, Willie
Atkinson, Frances Corn, Jean Atkinson and Alice Atkinson.
He is survived by Laura; son, Paul, Joy and Michael Hungenberg;
Jan “Billie” and Michael Ray; Dixie Fowler, and Marie and
Chauncey Todd; grandchildren, Emily and Russell Haythorn,
Eric and Erin Hungenberg, Trenna Harrad, Chad Ray, Tami
Thompson, Kelly, Jery Sparks, Jason Fowler, Dana Hill, and Josh
and Diana Fowler. Twenty great-grandchildren, three great-greatgrandchildren, and his beloved dog, Murphy further survive Jim.
Jim was a patriot but quiet and unassuming in his patriotism for
his country. He was outgoing and known for his smile and easy
way. He was a “gypsy” in his love for adventure, and will be missed
by his many friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions
be made to the HopeWest Care Center.
Due to COVID and Jim’s wishes there will be a graveside service
for family members.
