Jim Atkinson, Sr.

James Richard Atkinson, Sr., 79 years, a longtime resident of North Platte, NE, passed away at home in February 2015. Jim was born March 15, 1935, in Houston, PA. He was the youngest child of Charles and Rowene Atkinson. Jim grew up in Houston and graduated from Chartiers-Houston High School in 1953. He then joined the US Army, serving most of his term of duty in Occupied Japan. Following his discharge in 1956 Jim moved to Painesville, OH and worked for Western Union for over 25 years. On April 20, 1957, Jim married Anna Tolbert at Ruff Creek, PA, and they later divorced. Jim married Linda Bringewatt on June 27, 1971, in North Platte where they made their home. Linda passed away on November 14, 1989. After an early retirement, Jim drove a truck for many years, and most recently worked as a mechanic for Bob Spady Buick-GMC. Jim was a member of the Moose Lodge #551, American Legion Post #181, V.F.W. Post #1504 and F.O. Eagles #2839. He was also a life member of the Nebraska AmVets. He will be greatly missed by his many friends at the Moose Lodge and VFW in North Platte. Jim is survived by his four children, Cheryl 'Cherie' (John) Clark, of Morrisville, NC, Rhonda (Bruce) Winn, of McCool Junction, NE, James Richard, Jr. 'Rick' Atkinson, of Painesville, OH, and William Henry 'Willie' Atkinson, of Nickerson, KS; four grandchildren, Damon (Shelby) Winn, Shelby Winn, Dustin Pinneke, Brody Atkinson; a great-granddaughter, Madilynn Winn; his three sisters, Elizabeth Anderson, of Buena Vista, CO, Louise Carroll, of Mason, OH, and Charlotte Fritz of Campbell, CA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family. Along with his wife, Linda, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, David; and parents, Charles and Rowene. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The casket will be closed. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial.