Father James F. Atkins, 79, Priest of the Eparchy of Parma, serving the parishes of St. John the Baptist of Mingo Jct., OH and St. Joseph Byzantine Church of Toronto, OH within the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, died Tuesday evening, October 9, 2012 in the Hospice Care Center in Copley, OH. Fr. James was born on May 26, 1933 in Cedartown, GA, son of the late James C. and Addie Smith Atkins. Fr. James was a graduate of St. Meinrad College and School of Theology. He was ordained May 28, 1975. He served as a U.S. Army chaplain for 24 years. His pastoral assignments were at St. Jude Church, Sandy Springs, GA, St. John Church, Hopeville, GA, St. May Church, Rome, GA, Holy Family Church, GA, Monastery of Our Savior, Steubenville, OH, St. Joseph Church, Akron, OH, St. Nicholas Church, Barberton, OH, St. Michael Church, Akron, OH, St. John Church, Minneapolis, MN, St. Joseph Church, Toronto, OH and St. John the Baptist Church, Mingo Junction, OH. In addition to his parents, Fr. James was preceded in death by three sisters, Cordie Mae McInvale, Lucy Dingler and Eunice Atkins and his brother Claude and Eunice Atkins. Fr. James leaves behind seven nieces and nephews, Dolores McInvale, Ronnie Dingler and Jerry Atkins all of Cedartown, GA, Sandra Dupree of Rockmart, GA, Claude Atkins, Jr. and Gary Atkins both of Florida and Debbie Leighty of Michigan; sister-in-law Dorotha Atkins of Rockmart, GA. Fr. Atkins will lie in repose in St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church in Toronto, OH on Friday, Oct. 12 from 5-7pm followed by a Parastas Service at 7pm; he will lie in repose in St. John the Baptist Church in Mingo Jct., OH on Saturday, Oct. 13 starting with a Parastas Service at 1pm and continuing from 2-5pm. Hierarchical Funeral Divine Liturgy will be on Monday, October 15 at 10am at Holy Spirit Church, Parma, OH with Bishop John Kudrick as celebrant. His body will lie in repose from 9-10am at the church on Monday morning. Burial will follow in Holy Spirit Cemetery in Parma, OH. Condolences may be offered to the family on our website www.jefosterfh.com
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