U.S. Navy veteran of Korea
Published in the October 22, 2015 edition
NORTH READING — James R. Atkins, 84, of North Reading and formerly of Lakewood, Ohio, died at his home on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015.
Born in Rome, Ohio on Aug. 24,1931. He was the son of the late Jesse James and Nell Adeline (Brockway) Atkins. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict and he served from 1951 to 1954.
Jim worked as carpenter for the Seaman–Bratko Construction Company in Holyoke and he retired in 1987. He has been a resident of North Reading since 1961.
He loved sailing on Windjammers in Maine and steam trains, he belonged to the Northeast Live Steamers Club. Jim enjoyed painting and building furniture. He also enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus, during the holidays, for many people.
He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Mary C. (Lucas-Pierce) Atkins; he was the loving father of Donna Atkins of Glen, N.H., Barbara Atkins of Reading and the late Clayton Atkins; he was the brother of David Atkins and his wife Erna of Canton, Ohio, the late Dale Atkins and the late Virginia Mieser. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Service was held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading on Friday, Oct. 16. Calling hours were held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Thursday. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: North Reading Veteran’s Gift Account, 235 North St. (Town Hall), North Reading MA 01864. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
