Biography: James Lynn Atkins was born October 14th, 1944 to Mrs. Doris Virginia Patton Atkins and SFC. Olen Dale Atkins along with his older sister, Jane, in Altus, Oklahoma. In 1949, MSG Olen Atkins was reassigned from Fort Sill, OK to Yokohama, Japan. The family returned to America in May 1950, and that’s where MSG Olen Dale Atkins leaves our story for adventures abroad, no longer the head of household.  Doris met and married Randall LaVerne Cain, the man Jim would call Vern, but considered him Dad. The family of four grew when Doris gave birth to two daughters, Suzanne Cain (Busch), then Marsha Cain (Ranks). Being fifteen years their senior, Jim Atkins would help raise both sisters, whom he adored and loved deeply.

From 1956 – 60 the Cain (Atkins) Family relocated several times; Kyoto Japan, Fort Smith, AR, and to Stillwater, OK. Vern finished college and the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Jim completed High School in 1962 immediately joining the Army Reserves, serving six years. With an honorable discharge as a Sergeant, Jim moved to Dallas, Texas in 1963 where he met then married Linda Montoya in 1965. In 1967 Jim and Linda welcomed son Jeffrey Lynn into this world. In 1970, their family was complete with the addition of Jennifer Michelle.

Jim took several computer and college courses, after which he secured a job in accounting by befriending the computer staff and researching the types of equipment they used. He altered his resume to contain experience on those machines and secured a job with zero actual experience. He immediately began learning two separate computer languages; FORTRAN and COBOL in order to keep his newly gained position. His skill and knowledge allowed him rise in the ranks as his career grew. He worked for several large corporations, IBM, Miller Brothers, and his favorite big-name job, Stetson Hats in Dallas, Texas.

After working with computers for fifteen years, Jim switched gears. With his characteristic drive and energy, Jim immediately took to sales, working independently selling Charles Chips from his own work van and refurbishing and reselling houses. During a downturn in the real estate market, Jim landed a second career selling signs for United Sign Company in Atlanta, GA. Jim excelled in the sign business. He created a survey company with his daughter Jennifer. Together, they sold and produced site surveys all over the south for large bank signs. Once retired, Jim took a part-time job doing pest control and enjoyed all his customers who went out of their way to be kind to him. He was well liked by everyone except bank robbers and thieves and bushwhackers. He loved westerns and thought John Wayne was the template for toughness.

He was a very good, son, brother, father, grandfather who loved and cared for his family. Over the years he attended many churches, but remained Catholic in his heart. He returned to the church a few years ago, always carrying a saint with him for good luck. He was strong, forthright, honest and tough; but always fair. He loved his grandson Corey Giles, and his great- granddaughter, Ryleigh, brought much joy and happiness into his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

 You can cry for Jim Atkins, but it won't stop him- he's headed straight to the top floor, where the lights are on waiting for him.  A full promotion for Jim in the family business now, he will be warmly and loudly welcomed by Doris Cain, Vern Cain, Jane Atkins, and his daughter, Jennifer Atkins—who predeceased her father in 2013. They all took their own promotions way too early for the rest of us and are still greatly missed.


Rest in Peace

James L. Atkins