James (Jim) Brian Atkinson

James (Jim) Brian Atkinson met our beautiful creator on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. He passed away peacefully in his home in Tallahassee, Florida, exactly where he wished to spend his final days. Jim was born on November 18, 1965 to James (Big Jim) and Marcia Atkinson. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, but spent the majority of his childhood and young adulthood in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Although taken from this earth far too soon, Jim made the absolute most of the 55 years he was given. Jimmy, as he was called in his childhood, spent many days surfing with his buddies. As an adult visiting his hometown, he would proudly point out his old look-out spot where he used to gauge the surf. Depending on the size of the waves, Jimmy would decide if he would continue on to school or play hooky for the day. Priorities, right? After graduating from Mel High, Jim attended the University of Central Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Jim and his wife Karen both taught at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School for a number of years before Jim changed career paths and began his 26-year journey working for State Farm. August 5, 1989, Jim married his wife, Karen, and began the sweetest adventure of 31 years. Jim and Karen raised two daughters, Alyssa and Sarah. In his final days, the girls were sitting together by his side. He woke up briefly and Sarah said, “Hi papa, it’s Alyssa and Sarah sitting with you.” Jim’s response before falling back asleep was, “sisters... sisters... beautiful sisters.” This moment was such a reflection of how fiercely he loved his family. Jim raised his daughters with the phrase, “family comes first” and lived in a way that proved he meant it. Jim was endlessly proud of his daughters and “his queen.” The most important things in life to Jim were not things (other than his flip flops and guitars). He treasured his family and friends, and he found so much joy in the simple moments of life. Having grown up on the beach, Jim was in his happy place anywhere on the water. He was always in awe of the sunrise and sunset and took photos of them any chance he had. Some of Jim’s most joyous days were spent playing corn hole on the beach, boating in the sunshine, kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing. In his most recent years, his backyard pool became his little piece of paradise, fondly referred to as “Jim’s Margaritaville.” Jim’s other love was music. One day, he and a friend decided they were going to learn guitar. Little did he know at that time what a huge part of his life music would become. Over the years, Jim learned to play not only the guitar, but also the drums and bass. His girls became musicians too, and they spent years playing bluegrass together in a family band originally named, “Pigtails and Pop.” Jim also dedicated many years playing in the worship band at Deer Lake United Methodist Church. After receiving his diagnosis, Jim mustered the strength to play guitar at church one last time, giving his family and friends a memory that will stick with them forever. One of Jim’s most special attributes was the way he loved others so genuinely and selflessly. There was no better team than Jim and Karen when it came to welcoming others into their home and making them feel deeply cared for. A common prayer in marriage is that a couple will glorify the Lord better by being together than on their own. Jim and Karen’s marriage exemplified this perfectly. They welcomed hundreds of kids from youth group into their home over the years, as well as took on many “extra sons.” Jim welcomed his sons-in-law into the family and loved them as if they had always been a part of it. Countless other young men also looked up to Jim as a true father figure and as an example of how they strive to raise their own families. Soon after receiving his diagnosis, Jim’s friends and family organized a celebration of life party for him. A friend asked him that day if he had any big bucket list wishes, expecting his answer to be an exotic vacation or some opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, Jim’s response was, “This is it, right here.” To be surrounded by those that he loved so deeply is all that Jim desired. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, and we pray that he is having the time of his life in heaven with them now. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughters Alyssa and Sarah, beloved sons-in-law Matt and Cody, soon-to-be grandbaby Ellie Mae, siblings Sandra and Sharon, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim’s loved ones were asked to provide singular words that described him. The best response was, “Oh, I have so many words for Jimbo!” Others included: genuine, devoted, selfless, giving, easy going, charismatic, hard-working, nurturer, Christ-like, gentle, kind, caring, goofy, intentional, comforting, selfless, mentor, loving, joyful, patient, faithful, strong, humble leader, pure-hearted, and beautiful soul. He sure did life right, didn’t he? At his celebration of life party, Jim was told, “There’s not a person here that doesn’t think you’re one of the nicest and the best people that they know.” That statement holds so true. Those who were fortunate enough to know and live life alongside Jim experienced the greatest blessing. The impact that he made on this Earth is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to bless many lives for years to come. Jim’s memorial service will be held at Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee on Friday, March 26th at 4:00 pm. The service will also be live-streamed via his Bevis webpage: www.bevisfh.com/obituaries/James-Atkinson-16/#!/PhotosVideos To watch, click the thumbnail titled "Webcasting Video" at the service's scheduled time. The theme for Jim’s service is “Life is good. Heaven is the best.” Jim was an avid wearer of Life is Good t-shirts, and these shirts so perfectly represent the joy he took in the simple things in life. At his service, Jim’s family asks that you please honor him by wearing a Life is Good t-shirt. His family has purchased many shirts and will pass them out in advance, as well as have some shirts available upon arrival at Bevis. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pura Vida Missions, Costa Rica. https://puravidamissions.com/ Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

Tributes

James (Jim) Brian Atkinson

November 18, 1965 - March 23, 2021