Jon Atkins

Jonathan Michael “Jon” Atkins passed away on June 2, 2025. Jon had a rare gift for making friends—often within minutes of meeting someone. His sharp wit, warm humor, generous heart, and deep love for family and friends will be missed by all who knew him.

Jon was born on June 28, 1940, to Henry C. Atkins, Jr., and Elise Martin Atkins of Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1953, Jon and his mother moved to Naples, Florida, where he attended Naples High School. He later spent a year in Portland, Oregon, living with his father, who managed the West Coast operations of the global E.C. Atkins Saw Works. There, Jon attended Lincoln High School before graduating from Pine Crest Preparatory School in Fort Lauderdale. He went on to study at the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.

After college, Jon served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Upon completing his military service, he worked at Ernst & Young as a stockbroker. In 1971, he became Assistant Treasurer and Controller at City Securities and was a licensed CPA. His career in finance continued with various firms until 1989, when he co-founded Indiana Investment Banking and Brokerage Company with Mike Grady.

Jon was the great-grandson of E.C. Atkins, founder of the E.C. Atkins Saw Company.

He is survived by his son Brandt, granddaughter Kendall, and grandson Nicholas, his half-sisters Linda Atkins Lange (Tom) and Edith Atkins Spain (Dave); his half-brother Henry Stuart Atkins (Pam); niece Lisa Atkins Milner (Ed); and nephew Patrick Atkins. He was preceded in death by his former wife Gayle Atkins Rogers, his brother Thomas Kuhn Atkins and his wife Jeanne, Tom Atkins, Jr., Laurie Atkins, Jack Atkins, his sister Susan Winter Atkins Fleming and her husband Charles David.

Jon believed in giving back to his community. He was a charter member of the Penrod Society and served as Treasurer of the University Club of Indianapolis, as well as being active in the Woodstock Club and the Humane Society of Indianapolis. He volunteered on numerous charitable committees and participated in many fundraising efforts. Jon was a member of the Indianapolis Dramatic Club and acted in numerous plays.

A devoted member of Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis for over 52 years, Jon found comfort, strength, and community in his church throughout his life. He served faithfully as a Deacon and Elder, sang in the Sanctuary Choir, led and participated in many committees, and especially cherished the Men’s Bible Study and the teaching of Senior Pastor Chris Henry. Though he knew of Christ from an early age, Jon experienced God’s love and presence most deeply during pivotal moments of his life—after open heart surgery in 1978, during the Indianapolis Great Banquet, following esophageal cancer surgery in 2004, and through two near-death experiences in the ICU at Methodist Hospital.

Jon also had a lifelong love for trains, taking countless national and international train trips over the years—each one feeding his curiosity and sense of adventure. He was a big Colts fan, holding season tickets at Lucas Oil stadium.

He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the joy of knowing him. His warmth, his laughter, and his ability to connect with others were truly special.

A service celebrating Jon’s life will be held on July 7, 2025, at Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis. Calling will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the sanctuary service at 12 Noon. Jon’s ashes will be interred adjacent the Second Presbyterian Church during a private family committal service.