James Stewart Atkins' Obituary
James S. Atkins, 72, of Tulsa, retired from a long career in the oil and gas industry, died suddenly Sunday, Oct. 7 in the family home. Jim was born in Fairfield, AL on Mar. 8, 1946 to Roy and Mae Atkins. He spent most of his childhood and youth in Birmingham, AL where he was a star Little League baseball player. He attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and earned a Master’s Degree in chemical engineering. He was also in ROTC and received a commission upon graduation, served in the Army Reserve and attained the rank of Captain. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha, his son Shannon and wife Angela, two grandchildren Isaac and Grace of Norman, OK his son Todd and fiancé Agnes Gaspar of Coweta, OK, nephews Tosh and Stewart Atkins and niece Anne Atkins and sister-in-law Nancy Atkins of Tuscaloosa, AL and niece Laura Manning of Southlake, Texas. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Scott Atkins.Jim was a member of the BA Golf & Athletic Club where he enjoyed golfing with friends and feeding the squirrels and ducks. He was an avid football fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Jim loved music and played the guitar from an early age. The Beatles and Dire Straits were among his favorites.Travel was a big part of his life. Whether for work or pleasure, Jim enjoyed seeing the world. He and his family lived for seven years in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and took advantage of the opportunity to see over 22 countries.Jim was very proud of his work as a project manager and the plants he and his co-workers built in the US and in places like Russia and Bulgaria and made many friends on the job. However, when he retired almost six years ago, he never looked back. He has been a very happy retiree.In spite of leading a rather adventurous life, Jim’s greatest pleasures were in coaching Little League soccer and baseball. He was known for his laid back personality, sense of humor and generosity and regularly gave to his favorite charity Big Oak Ranch for Children in Alabama. He was steady in a crisis and dependable.Since the age of 12, Jim was challenged by a severe hearing loss which six operations failed to improve. Many expressed amazement that he was able to accomplish as much as he did in life with such limitations. However, he accepted his disability with an incredible grace and patience and never let it slow him down.The family is humbled by and grateful for the many expressions of warmth and love for Jim. Although we know he is in a better place, we were not ready to let him go. And on his behalf, we will say it. Roll Tide.Visitation will be held Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home.Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 12, 2018 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Bob Green officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?