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John Atkinson Obituary
September 6, 1945 - September 16, 2023
John Alvin Atkinson, Sr., 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC.
John was born in Winston-Salem, NC on September 6, 1945, to Mabel Lewis and Daniel Thomas Atkinson, Sr. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty A. Moser and Vicki A. Rich.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 57 years, Judy Bowman Atkinson, son John A. "Jay" Atkinson, Jr. (Leslie), daughter Julie A. Frazier (Blake) all of Wilmington, five grandchildren, John Atkinson, III, Ellie Atkinson, Cole Frazier, Anne Frances Frazier, and James Atkinson, sisters Shirley R. Atkinson and Peggy A. Lawson of Winston-Salem, brother Daniel T. Atkinson, Jr. of Conway, SC, sisters-in-law Kaye B. Byrd, Peggy B. Smith, and Susan B. Arthur, brothers-in-law Richard A. Moser and Bryan J. Arthur, and many nieces and nephews.
John graduated from James A. Gray High School in 1963 where he excelled on the basketball court. He attended Appalachian State University earning a degree in Political Science in 1967.
John and Judy moved to Eden, NC and became active members of Leaksville Moravian Church. He started a career teaching and coaching basketball.
John transitioned from educator and coach to businessman. After early mentoring in the real estate business from Homer Wright, another Eden builder/developer, John would go on to create his own real estate brokerage and residential construction companies. His partnership with Homer in multi-family projects and other real estate ventures would last 50 years, as would their deep friendship.
Mr. Wright founded a real estate community in the 1980s near Southport called St. James Plantation, and early on encouraged John to relocate to the coast to partner with him in its development. With Homer's vision and John's business acumen, St. James would grow to be one of the finest and most successful master-planned communities on the East coast.
John's children Jay and Julie and son-in-law Blake would all follow him into the real estate business.
John loved the NC and VA mountains and spending time with his family. He enjoyed card game nights and basketball clinics with his grandchildren, and playing tennis and pickleball.
One of his proudest coaching memories was leading Morehead High School to the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic Basketball Championship in his hometown of Winston-Salem in 1988.
In addition to his family, John loved Appalachian State University athletics, and in particular App State football. He and Judy were proud supporters and members of the Circle of Excellence.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Andrews Market Street Chapel, 1617 Market St., Wilmington.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 22 at the Kenan Chapel at Landfall, 510 Arboretum Dr., Wilmington.
Memorial gifts may be made to the St. James Plantation Service Club Foundation (www.sjserviceclub.org) or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (www.lifecare.org).
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
Memories and Condolences
for John Atkinson
Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.
Ron & Bonnie Logan
October 9, 2023
Judy and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Many years have passed SO FAST, but the memories of our good times together are still vivid! May God be with you and give you His peace and may you feel His presence. ~Ron & Bonnie
Mac McCrory
September 28, 2023
John was a good friend for many years and will be missed. Sending prayers for Judy and the family.
James A. Gray High School Class of 1963
September 23, 2023
Sincere condolences.
Elton Crutchfield
September 23, 2023
To Judy and family.
Thoughts and prayers are expressed during this time. God bless you all.
Julie Jordan
September 22, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing. I feel very blessed to have know him and enjoyed working for him for many years at St. James. My prayers go out to all of you Julie, Jay and Judy. Blessings - Julie Jordan
Leroy wayne Kennedy
September 22, 2023
LEROY KENNEDY. So sorry .L
Connie Church
September 22, 2023
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Atkinson. He was a fine and upstanding business man in Eden, NC for quite a number of years. Prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days. May God bless you all ❤❤❤
Jeff and Silvia Triplett
September 21, 2023
Judy, Jay and Julie — we are very sorry for your loss.
Cindy Curry
September 20, 2023
Prayers for all his family and friends
Judy White
September 20, 2023
Judy. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time and the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jimmy & Judy White
Judy
September 20, 2023
Judy & Jimmy White
Henry McCarthy
September 20, 2023
I played basketball with Johnny and others for the Gray High Greyhounds in Winston Salem..good to know of his achievements..many on that team made significant contributions to society..I also remember his wife Judy..it was good to have been in school with them
Diana Graham
September 19, 2023
My sincere love and sympathy go to Judy and her family. We were friends in High School and Girl Scouts for many years. She has been a real trouper throughout the years. We went to the Girl Scout roundup in Vermont during HS. Bless her heart now with this change of life. I e been there too.
Love you Judy, Diana Graham
Susan Hoyle
September 19, 2023
Bobby and I are very sorry to hear of Johnny’ s passing. We have many fond memories of being neighbors in West Holly Hills in Eden. Judy you and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Susan’ and Bobby Hoyle.
Priscilla Donathan
September 19, 2023
Judy, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Priscilla and Danny
September 19, 2023
Sorry for your loss. May memories comfort you during this time. Tony & Kay Henderson, we go to church and are friends with Peggy Smith
Crystal Baron
September 19, 2023
My heartfelt sympathy to Jude and her extended family. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Much love,
Crystal Baron
Carol Boney
September 18, 2023
My heartfelt sympathy to Judy, Julie, Jay & extended family. I'm grateful for having known John and appreciate all of you giving me the opportunity to work at St. James Custom Homes for 7 wonderful years. May you find comfort and peace in your memories and healing prayers as you grieve.
Carol Boney
Kristin Atkins
September 18, 2023
Dear Judy, Jay, Julie, and Family,
I have had the great honor and pleasure of working for John at John Atkinson Company since 2016. My prayers are with you during this time.
Deepest sympathy,
Kristin Atkins
Larie Cates Garner
September 18, 2023
Dear Judy , Jay and Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing.I know he will be truly missed by all of you. He was a sweet man.
I really enjoyed getting to know all of you so many years ago. I have fond memories of all of you and think of you often. Sending all my love, hugs and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Larie Cates Garner
Ann Keir
September 18, 2023
Danny and I have been praying for your family and are deeply sorry for the loss of such a fine gentleman, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Continued thoughts and our prayers for each of you. Danny & Ann Keir
Lauren Lee
September 18, 2023
Dear Atkinson and Frazier families - I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad I had a couple of occasions to meet Mr. Atkinson. What a beautiful tribute. Deepest sympathies.
Donna Chandler
September 18, 2023
Aunt Judy, Jay and Julie, I have very fond memories of Uncle John and will forever remember him as a great uncle. I still remember well all of the fun vacation trips that our families took going to the beach and Williamsburg Va. Those trips were great times! Uncle John will be dearly missed.
Bobby Grove
September 18, 2023
John A Atkinson and his son Jay hired me to sell Real Estate at St James Plantation. After an interview process, they advised me that they were prepared to offer me a Sales Position on one condition. I had to wear socks while Selling Property at St James Properties. I agreed and enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to be part of the St James selling machine. We worked hard and we played hard. I worked in several different industries and my tenure at St James Plantation was my favorite.
Thank you and Rest in Peace.
Bobby Grove
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Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
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