James M. Atkinson

June 7, 1937 - May 25, 2015

(75 Years Old)

Jim passed away on Monday, May 25, 2015 at Englewood Community Hospital, in Englewood, Florida with his devoted wife at his side. He was born on June 7, 1939, in Hammond, Indiana to Samuel and Josephine (Weeks) Atkinson. He grew up as the eldest of two sons, graduated from Hammond High School and received an Associate Degree from Purdue University, Hammond, Indiana in Electrical Engineering Technology. He served in the U.S. Army and active duty reserves for six years with a rank of Spec. #5. He was employed by the 3M Company (Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing Company) for 35 years and retired in 1995 as a Senior Service Technician. He remained in Northwest Indiana until he moved to Port Charlotte, Florida after his retirement.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Gonzales) of 11 years, who was his full-time caretaker the last seven years; three children, David (Angie) of Ashland, Kentucky, Tracy (Craig) Ingram of Hammond, Indiana and Robert (Sherri) of Griffith, Indiana; two step-children, Lisa (James Jones) Melby of Anderson, Indiana and John Mark (Mirabel) Gonzales of Menifee, California; seven grandchildren, Danny and Tyler Ingram, Skyler, Brian, Savanna, Alexis and Lauren Atkinson; five step-grandchildren, Miranda (Wesley) King, Robert, Tyler and Bradley Melby, Nicole Gonzales; he was also blessed to have a step-great-granddaughter that he was so happy to meet last month - Dallas King; one brother Neil (Ruth Travis), Centennial, Colorado and two nieces, Jordyn and Stella. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a member of the Southside Christian Church in Munster, Indiana where he served as an Elder and taught Sunday school. He played and coached various church baseball and bowling teams. He also enjoyed his bowling leagues and received a ring for having a "300" perfect game. He continued to participate in adult basketball and baseball teams. The Chicago Cubs was his favorite team. He loved car racing and was proud to race his '67 Fastback Mustang. He won many races.

Jim married Linda on October 10, 2003 and they moved south to fulfill his life-long dream of living in Florida on the water. His love for Florida started that dream when, as a young boy, his parents took him on family camping vacations to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. He continued to be a weekly bowler and got involved in serving his community and church. He became a member of the South Gulf Cove Yacht Club (still dreaming about owning a boat) and served on the �"Bridge” and became the Commodore in 2007. He also served on the South Gulf Cove Home Owner's Association as a member on the Architectural Review Committee. He was a member of Gulf Cove United Methodist Church and taught the youth group.

He was "special" to those who knew him and enjoyed a friendship with many. He was always available to help when needed and loved offering his service to anyone.

A memorial service, celebrating his life will take place on Sunday, June 7th 2015 (which would have been his 76th birthday), at the Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981 (941) 697-1747, at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Bill Fisackerly presiding.

Cremation arrangements are being provided by Lemon Bay Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Englewood, Florida. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, please visit www.LemonBayFH.com. Final interment to be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim to Gulf Cove United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.