James R. Atkison Sr.

November 05, 2015 Last Updated: November 05, 2015 10:00 AM Death Notice

James R. Atkison Sr., born March 1, 1934, who was the son of the late Winfield L. and Grace (Davis) Atkison, went to be with the Lord on Friday.

He graduated in 1953 from Hampton High School.

Jim married Alma J. (Musser) Atkison 61 years ago on Sept. 18, 1954.

He received an honorable discharge as first class from the U.S. Air Force Reserves after nine years with Troop 375 Troop Carrier Wing.

Jim retired from PennDOT as garage foreman after 36-and-a-half years of service.

Jim was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Butler. He enjoyed bowling, hunting and camping with his family and friends, and he also enjoyed swimming and going to the casinos.

Jim was a past member of the Meridian Volunteer Fire Company and a past president of the Lick Hill Volunteer Fire Department. He was also past president of the local AFCME 83. He enjoyed coaching for the Cubs of Meridian Little League. He was a member of the Chicora Moose and the American Legion, Butler Lodge 272.

Jim was the proud father of six children, his daughter, Linda (Fred) Haefner, and his five sons, James Jr. (Dianna) Atkison, Richard (Raylene) Atkison, John (Karen) Atkison, Ronald (Sherry P.) Atkison and Jeffrey (Amy) Atkison; the grandfather to 14, Mike and Matthew Haefner, Marcy (Stephen) Reott, Michelle (Joshua) Custer, James R. Atkison III, Jordan and Kendra Atkison, Joshua Atkison, Jason and Niki Gall, Dylan and Asti Atkison and James and April Ferguson; and the great-grandfather to three, Brandon Haefner, Strider Reott and Brayden Custer. He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Haser; three brothers, Jr., Paul and Norman Atkison; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

ATKISON — The family of James R. Atkison Sr., who died Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, will welcome friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Boylan Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.A funeral service will be conducted in Jim's honor at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 201 W Jefferson St., Butler, with the Rev. Dr. Alden W. Towberman officiating.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Jim's family at www.boylanfamilyservices.com.