James F. Atkins

James F. Atkins obituary, Roslindale, MA

James F. Atkins

James Atkins Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Joseph Russo Funeral Home on Jun. 20, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

James Francis Atkins - January 23, 1944 - June 16, 20025
James Francis Atkins known as Jim, was born in Boston, MA to the late Dorothy Atkins. He was the oldest of his 2 brothers, the late Tommy Perry and Paul Perry Jr. He was married to the
late Pamela Elaine Atkins. He is survived by his daughters, Elaine Marie Rivera and Juliette Atkins. three grand children Pamela E. Rivera, LaTiesha P. Rivera, Trey J. Rivera and five great grand kids, Zaria A. Pinnick, Niyla A. Moreta, Auguste A. Dorsy, Ava-Marie Deloach, and Mason I. Deloach.
Jim enlisted in the U.S. army on April 24, 1964 in which he served 4 years before being medically discharged. It was after That time that he found his true calling in being a servant of God by teaching bible classes. He became an active member of what was called St. Francis De Sales church in Roxbury Mass. where he not only taught bible classes he also prepared children and adults to receive communion to be baptized. When the church started a summer camp program, Jim worked as a senior camp counselor to which he had one of the largest group
of kids within the camp. He gave opportunity to some of the teen age girls to assist as junior camp counselors to work a long side of him.
Jim also volunteered once a week at Framingham Women's Correctional Prison teaching bible classes for those interested in turning their life over to God.
He was a pillar of his community in which he would do anything he could to help someone whether it was just sitting and lending an ear.
If you were sad he would tell you a joke that 9 out of 10 were usually corny but because he would laugh, it was the way he laughed that would make you laugh. Jim will be forever remembered by his favorite saying that will be part of his legacy. Before departing from him whether it be in person or over the phone, he would say "God loves you and so do I." Jim was a true man of God.
"DAY BY DAY" you watched me and Juliette grow, You never took for granted in our life what we would see and know.
Birthdays and Christmas we would make our lists, We always knew you would give us "ALL GOOD GIFTS"
It broke our hearts to know you needed to rest, But in the end it was "ALL FOR THE BEST"
We will always be your favorite girls, As you were the best dad, our "LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
We will miss your smile, corny jokes, you being witty, Me and Juliette will always remember your hand movements From the song "BEAUTIFUL CITY"
Daddy whenever the sun is shining or the stars are bright in the sky, We will blow you a kiss and tell you, "GOD LOVES YOU & SO DO I"
Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing hour on Saturday June 28, 2025 from 10-11 AM in St. Katherine Drexel Church. A Funeral Mass will be at 11 AM on Saturday June 28, 2025. Burial will be Private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Atkins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 27, 2025

India M posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2025

Kerryn Fernandes posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2025

Joseph Russo Funeral Home posted an obituary.

2 Entries

India M

June 27, 2025

Thank you for the memories Jim. Thank you for opening your heart and your home to the community to which you served so faithfully. Love India M

Kerryn Fernandes

June 27, 2025

Sending my condolences to Tinka and Juliette on the passing of Jim. I was one of the lucky ones to get the chance to work with Jim as a teenage counselor. Jim was amazing and taught us alot. Jim will be missed. R.I.P. Jim

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Joseph Russo Funeral Home

814 American Legion Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131

Make a Donation
in James Atkins's name

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Atkins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Atkins's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 27, 2025

India M posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2025

Kerryn Fernandes posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2025

Joseph Russo Funeral Home posted an obituary.