James John "Jim" Atchley

ATCHLEY, JAMES JOHN "JIM" - went to be with his Savior early Monday morning, July 19, 2010, at the age of 65. He was born in Johnson City, TN to Paul and Thelma Atchley and soon moved to Sevier County where he spent the rest of his youth (and was known to most as "Butch"). It was in elementary school where he first met a girl named Linda Moroz, and at age 11 he informed her that someday they would be married. After graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964 he entered East Tennessee State University and studied for two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force. In 1968, while still in the service, his childhood dream became reality when he and Linda were married. He was honorably discharged from the service in January of 1970 just in time for the birth of his first child, Marc. He entered the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and completed his bachelors degree in Education, but not before being blessed with a daughter, Andrea in February of 1971. He began his career as a teacher at Paw Paw High School near Kalamazoo, MI and taught there 3 years while Linda completed her studies as a Physicians Assistant. Longing for home they returned to Knoxville in 1976 and he found a teaching position at Doyle High School. He remained at Doyle (later renamed South-Doyle) High School for 37 years. He loved the privilege of teaching students and working with caring educators who became some of his dearest friends. The only things of greater importance to him than his life as a teacher were his faith and his family. He was a member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church and cherished his Sunday school class. He was preceded in death by parents Paul and Thelma Atchley, and sister Catherine Atchley Lyon. He is survived by wife Linda Moroz Atchley; son Marc Atchley; daughter Andrea Atchley Rodgers; grandsons Cowan Rodgers, Sam Atchley, Jack Atchley and Liam Atchley; and sister Paulette Atchley Williams. Memorial donations may be made to: Life Outreach International, P.O. Box 982000 Fort Worth Texas 76182 or Samaritans Purse P.O. Box 3000, Boone North Carolina 28607. The family will receive friends from 4-6:45 PM Thursday with a service to follow at 7 PM at Sevier Heights Baptist Church. A private graveside service will be held Friday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens in Pigeon Forge. Funeral arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN 37865 (577-2807). (www.atchleyfuneralhome.come)