Jim was born in Duluth on October 12, 1931 to Lawrence and Frances (Gigrich) Atkinson.
He attended Lakewood Schools and served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy.
On October 24, 1953, he married Helen Fosness in Duluth and together they raised eight children.
Jim was the owner and operator of Lester Park Skelly for over 42 years. The business continues to operate under the ownership of his son, Tom.
Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
He was a longtime member of the Northwestern Gun Club of Duluth and the NRA.
Jim loved his homestead on the Lester River. He took great pride in his garden. Jim had a tremendous love and reverence for nature; a value instilled upon him by his father and one which Jim passed on to his children. He was a self taught arborist with a special respect for the trees.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Jerry Seibert; and his sister, Julie St. Sauver.
Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen; eight children, Lawrence (Rita) of St. Cloud, MN., Thomas (Rita) of Proctor, MN., Daniel (Linda) of Grand Rapids, MN., Jean (David) Runquist of Superior, WI., Mary (David) Hallsten of Maple, WI., Mark of Duluth, John of Goodyear, AZ., and James (Jeanne) of Lakewood Township.; one brother, Paul (Anita) Seibert of Apple Valley, MN; two sisters, Edith (Vannie) Toney of Leslie, AK., and Annette (Jerome) Lambert of Esko, MN; 22 grandchildren, Melissa, Kristen, Lisa, Danielle, Jennifer, Jared, Samuel, Thomas, Jacob, Matthew, Erick, Jamie, David, Steven, Jodi, Corey, Aaron, Michael, Nicholas, Jenna, Nathaniel, Kaylea; and 16 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kamie, Kohl, Ashton, Taylor, Mileena, Cecelia, Steven, Madilyn, Maija, Jayger, Owen, Wyatt, Blake, Dayton and Jenna
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, March, 15, 2010 in Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home. Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 Funeral Mass Tuesday in St. Michael’s Catholic Church. 4901 E. Superior St. Rev. Fr Thomas Radaich , Rev. Fr. Seamus Walsh and Rev. Fr. William Fider officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
In Jim’s memory, memorials are preferred to the Solvay Hospice House. Miller-Dwan Foundation. 502 E. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55808 or the Alzheimer’s Association. PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
To leave a memory or words of support for the family please visit www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com
Arrangements by Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home. 925 E. 4th St. 218-722-5131
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