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James W. Atkinson


Sunrise: September 10, 1940
Sunset: May 22, 2024

James Wesley Atkinson, affectionately known as “Papa”, our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, in-law, and friend gained his wings to be with our heavenly father on May 22, 2024.

On September 10, 1940, James Wesley Atkinson was born to the late James Wesley Matthews and Pauline Elizabeth Mahone in Dunn, NC. He was raised by his mother, Pauline Mahone and bonus dad, Alex Mahone in Chesapeake, VA. He graduated from Crestwood High School in 1960. In1958, James met and later married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Thompson, and the two hearts became one for 65 years.   He loved her unconditionally.  They were like 2 peas in a pod.  When you saw one you always saw the other.  From this union they birthed five beautiful daughters, Kim, Karen, Keisha, Jameca, and Jameia.  James was the ultimate girl-dad.  His spoke it loud and proud, “I have 5 girls.”  He loved his girls immensely, who he often referred to as daughter #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5. Not only was he a devoted father, but he was also a grandfather, and great grandfather. His grands loved him very much and fondly called him “Papa.” He was not only a loving husband, father and grandfather but a kind and affectionate friend.

James, also known as Jungle Bunny (JB), was a devoted employee for 36 years at Ford Motor Company until he retired in 2007. He was a member of First Baptist Church South Hill where he was a volunteer for the Food Pantry.  He was a member of the Venture Van Club and the Virginia Camping Cardinals for many years. These memberships allowed him to gain a host of friends and bonus family members. His first love was dancing especially with his girls, and he was always the life of the party. Papa enjoyed NASCAR, playing Poker, Bid Whist, tailgating at NSU football games, riding motorcycles, skating and he loved the Washington Redskins/Commanders. Papa also enjoyed camping, traveling with his family, RV’ing, skiing as well as teaching his grandchildren how to ride bikes. Papa loved doing small construction jobs and was a jack of many trades.

To Papa, life was to be enjoyed and filled with fun, laughter, and love. Papa will be remembered by his fun-loving spirit. He definitely left his mark on the world by the way he lived and the many lives he touched throughout the years. We truly loved him, but God loved him best…..

James leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Barbara Thompson Atkinson; his five daughters: Kim Atkinson of Portsmouth, VA, Karen Hill (Elvis) of Chesapeake, VA, Keisha Whitaker (Maurice) of Suffolk, VA, Jameca Palmer (Tra Von) of Macomb, MI, and Jameia Atkinson of Richmond, VA; 1 bonus son: Charles Medley (Demetrius) of Hampton, VA; 8 grandchildren: Shayla Williams, Whitney Johnson, Duane Thomas II, Jordan Hill, and Bryce Hill, Maurice Whitaker II, Tra Von Palmer II, and Emersyn Palmer; 5 great grands: Aubri Thomas, Alani Johnson, JaKobi Ball, Ashton Thomas, and Ali Williams; 2 brothers-in-law: Billie Thompson (Jackie) and Bernard Thompson (Juanita); 2 sisters-in-law: Theresa Parker (Bill) and Genita Tripp (Patrick) and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.  He also leaves behind many bonus daughters and sons that he has gained over the years.

Viewing Friday, May 31, 2024 3:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Blvd. Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service Saturday, June 1, 2024 10:00 AM First Baptist Church South Hill 3633 Galberry Road Chesapeake, VA 23323 Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320

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Condolences(18)

  1. reply
    Trudy & Tony Baskerville says
    May 23, 2024 at 7:52 pm

    To the loving family
    We love you so much and are so sorry for the loss of our wonderful family member James. He was a gem sent from god and now he is back with him. He is still looking out for all of you. Stay strong because that is what James would want from you. Love Trudy and Tony Baskerville

  2. reply
    Lee DeLoatch Jr says
    May 24, 2024 at 11:27 am

    Mr James has been apart of my family for 60 plus years. Over the years, my dad and mom traveled in the van club with Mr and Mrs Atkinson forging a life time friendship.
    My God give the family strength through faith to deal with their loss .

    • reply
      Renaye Freeman says
      May 31, 2024 at 10:06 am

      To The Atkinson Family
      Sending love to this great Family,one that is loved by so many,A man that loved living life.His legacy will live on in his Fabulous Five,Your father will forever be your Guardian Angel.I love you all.
      Renaye Freeman❤️🌹🌹🌹

  3. reply
    Melanie Whitney says
    May 24, 2024 at 12:57 pm

    To the Atkinson family. My sincerest apologies for your loss. I pray for some comfort during this difficult time. Mr. Atkinson(Dad) was truly a joy to meet and be around. I know that no amount of words will heal the pain but know that he is loved and touched many! ❤️

  4. reply
    Merci/Tika says
    May 24, 2024 at 9:01 pm

    Uncle James you will truly be missed.🥰 I enjoyed the time I spent with you and Nana it gave me purpose. 🙏To the family and friends you have my sincere prayers. Keep the fond memories of your husband, father, Papa, in your heart. This is farewell not Goodbye. Loving you beyond life Tika😇

  5. reply
    Dwayne and Kelly Calhoun says
    May 25, 2024 at 4:32 pm

    Atkinson Family, our deepest sympathy and condolences. You are all in our prayers and thoughts🙏🏾🙏🏾cherish the wonderful memories and know that your loved one lives in your hearts and is at peace .

  6. reply
    The Drew and Hill family says
    May 26, 2024 at 12:49 pm

    We send you our deepest sympathy and condolences. May God keep you. You are in our prayers.

  7. reply
    Jacqueline Mungo Bradley says
    May 26, 2024 at 2:29 pm

    Sincere condolences to the Atkinson family. May God’s love and peace be your comfort at this most difficult time. Love to you all.🙏🏼

  8. reply
    Grover mungo says
    May 27, 2024 at 4:22 pm

    God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were to high to climb.he gently closed his loving eyes and whispered peace be thine

  9. reply
    LaVerne Blackwood says
    May 27, 2024 at 6:17 pm

    Family, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult journey. Mr. Atkinson, rest well…until we all meet again in paradise…

  10. reply
    Carolyn Ferebee says
    May 27, 2024 at 6:40 pm

    To Atkinson Family From Carolyn,Dianne,mother Celestine our deepest sympathy. May God bless you all.
    Praying for you all.

  11. reply
    Frances Chavous(Wanda) says
    May 28, 2024 at 12:15 pm

    Sending prayers and condolence to the family

  12. reply
    Melvin and Sherri Hayes says
    May 28, 2024 at 3:19 pm

    We are praying for for the family during this time of loss.
    The Hayes Family

  13. reply
    Mervin McCoy says
    May 28, 2024 at 8:54 pm

    Dear Atkinson Family:

    Pam and I were very sadden to hear of the demise of James, however, we have always found PEACE and CLOSURE in Hebrews 11-16(Where God has prepared for them a Brand New City in a New Country.)

    We are certain that your Faith will continue to Sustain You now and in the days to come.

    Mervin and Pam McCoy
    Chesapeake, VA

  14. reply
    Willie Parker says
    May 30, 2024 at 8:10 am

    Mr. Atkinson, you will be missed dearly, my family and I send our deepest condolences to the family. May his love and memories bring you comfort and peace during this time.

    Willie and Mamie Parker
    Orange Park, FL

  15. reply
    Latrice/Sunny Shaw says
    May 30, 2024 at 4:09 pm

    In Cavalier Manor, Mr. Atkinson “PopPop” was the image and role model of the Father, Husband and Man that we admired and looked up to. He is the King and Ms Barbara is the Queen!

    It was their fairytale love for each other, the unwavering love for his family and the genuine love he extended to anyone that was blessed to be in their presence that I will always treasure.

    Oh and what a challenge to all on the dance floor! Mr. James had the moves and the energy to stir the party pot!

    Blessings to the Family & everyone’s heart, my Sistah Sledge Keisha was my catalyst to the family. I’m forever grateful, honored and thankful. I will cherish the memories and Love of Mr. James…always & forever.

  16. reply
    Floyd Harrell says
    May 31, 2024 at 11:22 pm

    My sincere condolences to The Entire Family of Mr.James W. Atkinson. May your Faith in God sustain and comfort you during this time of grief. Grace and Peace be with You, Floyd Harrell and Family

  17. reply
    Vincent Carpenter says
    June 1, 2024 at 9:58 am

    Rest in Heaven Mr. Atkinson. You were a Joy to know and to serve. I will truly miss your wisdom and your stories. My Prayers and Condolences go to Mother Atkinson and your Family because you were a Shining Example and Inspiration of a Great Husband & Father.

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