James E. Atkinson

James E. Atkinson, 96, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022 at Koronis Place in Paynesville. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at the Paynesville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville.
Jim was born on October 31, 1926 in St. Cloud to the late William and Lucy (Ruegemer) Atkinson. He married Betty Rien on January 13, 1946 in Paynesville. They made their home in Paynesville and were blessed with six children. Jim was employed as an over the road truck driver with Cold Spring Granite and moved to Anderson Trucking when it was founded. He drove for over 45 years. Jim won a national award in 1990 for driving a million miles without an accident.
Jim loved his family and enjoyed stopping at his out of state children’s homes, taking routes so he could see them. He especially loved having all the children and grandchildren home or time with them at the cabin, creating many wonderful memories.
He is survived by his children, Mike (Rita) of Paynesville, Peggy (Gary) Irrthum of Henderson, Nevada, Curt (Karen) of Hawick, Mary (Robert) Hicks of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and Bruce (Pauline) of Alamogordo, New Mexico; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty in 2015; daughter, Susie; grandson, Trent Atkinson; two great grandchildren.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Koronis Place for their exceptional care.
Livestream available through the Paynesville Lutheran Church website.