Robert James "Jim" Atkin Jr., 81, of Fleming, died Saturday October 6, 2018. The family will receive friends Thurs., Oct. 11 at 6 p.m., with Vigil Service and Recitation of the Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Sat., Oct. 13 at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Fleming, Father Jerry Rohr officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Jim was born November 22, 1935 to Robert "Jim" Atkin and Margret (Weston) Atkin in Sterling. The family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1944. Jim graduated from Catholic High in 1954 and in November of that year enlisted in the US Navy. Jim did two tours to the Far East, including Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Okinawa, China, Hong Kong, and Iwo Jima aboard the USS Okanogan. He achieved Second Class Petty Officer electrician mate and was Honorably Discharged November 9, 1958.

Following his discharge from the Navy, Jim returned to Sterling where he met Joan Unrein. They married September 10, 1960. In 1967 Jim and Joan purchased and moved to a farm south of St. Peter's. There they raised four children.

Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Fleming Men's Club, and St. Peter's Catholic Church. He served on the Co-Op elevator board for nine years. Jim loved camping and fishing with family and friends. Steamboat Lake was a yearly destination for 40 years.

Jim retired in 1996, moving into Fleming. He remained active on the farm, helping his eldest son. He and Joan enjoyed spending the winter months in Port Aransas, Texas making many snowbird friends from all over the US. He especially loved fishing, playing cards, and combing the beach. In recent years, Jim kept busy with woodworking projects. He also enjoyed morning coffee at the elevator with the local farmers.

Jim is survived by his wife Joan, children Luann and Dave Koester, Doug and Lori Atkin, Bonnie and Paul Brownell, and Bob and Joan Atkin, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, brother Jerry and wife Carol Atkin, and many other beloved family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws Lawrence and Mae Unrein.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.