Julius Robert Atkins

Atkins, Julius Robert A lawyer, real estate developer, naval officer and a longtime leader of the Milwaukee Jewish community, died Sunday in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He died peacefully at the age of 94 with his wife at his side. Julius Atkins was born in Milwaukee on March 4, 1917, the youngest of 8 children of the late Maurice and Edythe Atinsky. He graduated from North Division High School, and in 1941, from Marquette University with a degree in Social Work. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 after attending officer training school at Columbia University. He was assigned to the USS Wayne, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The USS Wayne was a naval ship carrying marines for invasions in the Pacific. It was one of the first ships to land in Japan after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In addition to being a landing boat officer during invasions, Julius also took part in legal proceedings aboard ship. He was also head of the officer's mess. Besides the captain, Julius was the only other officer on the ship who served continuously for all 66,000 miles that it traveled, from the time it was commissioned until the end of the war when it was decommissioned. After the war, Mr. Atkins returned to Milwaukee and attended Marquette Law School on the GI Bill. While in law school, he met Mildred Smith. They were married in 1947. After law school, Mr. Atkins formed Atkins-Wahlberg Real Estate with Nate Wahlberg. The firm developed subdivisions in Glendale, Fox Point, Bayside and Wauwatosa. Mr. Atkins was an active member of Milwaukee Jewish community, serving as President of the Jewish Community Center where he was instrumental in developing the Center's camps including Camp Interlaken on Lake Finley in Eagle River and Camp Olin Sang in Fredonia. He also helped in the purchase of Camp B'nai Brith (the Beber Camp) in Mukwonago, WI. He was a member of the Temple Emanu-El Board and was the general contractor for the renovation and expansion of that facility in the 1960's. He was also on the Board of Mount Sinai Hospital. He was chairman of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation in the 1960's. In that capacity, the Atkins' hosted receptions at their house for visiting dignitaries including Abba Eban. They also participated in a state dinner at the White House where they met Yitzhak Rabin. He was a founding member of the first Bnai Brith Youth Organization and later national vice president of the BBYO. He also served as chairman of the Milwaukee United Jewish Appeal. Interested in maintaining Milwaukee's Jewish heritage, Julius and friends Ben Barkin, Julius Rubin and Bud Selig purchased Jake's Delicatessen on 17th and North Avenue in the late 1960's, keeping it in operation. Julius was the managing partner until just a few years ago. Jake's corned beef was well known in Major League Baseball circles and the restaurant became a favorite for influential figures in the sporting and political community. Julius was also active in the Wisconsin Democratic political party and served as an alternate delegate for Eugene McCarthy at the historic 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. He remained active for much of his long life, playing tennis well into his 80's. He had a quintessential charm that attracted people of all ages to him. Mr Atkins is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mildred Atkins, his children Dr. Maura Keene (Art), Dr. Michael Atkins (Susan Crockin), Dr. Edward Atkins (Cathy), Susan Atkins (Eben Shapiro) and Carol Atkins (David Gottlieb). He leaves 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. His love of life, his warmth, his wit and the ever present twinkle in his eye will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held on May 13 at 10 AM at Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun located at 2020 W. Brown Deer Rd, River Hills, WI 53217. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice.