James Marshall Atchison

by admin

James Marshall AtchisonJames Marshall Atchison was born on March 4, 1943 in the backseat of a Good Samaritan’s car in the driveway of the emergency room at West Texas Hospital in Lubbock, TX.  His parents were James Duward Atchison and Foy Margaret Blevins. He joined an older sister, Barbara Kay.  Two years later, they were joined by a younger brother, Thomas (Tommy) Owen.

James attended Lubbock High School and graduated in 1961.  While in high school, his best friend, Joe Strange, set him up on a blind date with the girl he’d later marry, Dolores Gordon. James and Dolores were married on February 9, 1963.  They recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.  To this union, they brought two daughters – Amelia Jane (Amy) in 1967, and Pamela June (Pam) in 1970.

Just out of high school, in 1962, James began working as an Apprentice Lineman for Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L).  In 1964, he began working for Southwestern Public Service Company – SPS (now Xcel Energy).  In 1968, the young family moved to Levelland where James was a Serviceman for SPS.  In 1971, SPS transferred and promoted James to Texhoma, Oklahoma as their youngest manager.  While in Texhoma, they made many lifelong friends, and hosted an exchange student from Sao Paulo Brazil.  James was President of the Rotary Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, a Charter Member of Toastmasters, as well as a Little League baseball coach.  1974 brought another promotion to the larger town of Boise City, Oklahoma.  The family spent 2 ½ years there where James was again President of the Rotary Club and coached Little League baseball before being transferred and promoted again to Denver City, TX.

James, Dolores, Amy & Pam arrived in Denver City in late 1977.  Almost as soon as he arrived, he began making an impact in the community. He was President of the Girls Little Dribblers Basketball League and he coached.  He was also President of the Girls Softball League as well as coaching several teams over the years. He was President of the Rotary Club in 1978 and President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1980.  While Chamber of Commerce President, he organized Oil Appreciation Day – April 19th, 1980.  The sitting Governor of Texas, Bill Clements, attended as did the future President of the United States, George W. Bush, who was there representing his father who was campaigning for President at the time.  The Texas Secretary of Agriculture, Regan Brown was also in attendance.  Over 5000 people came from far and wide. It was a very successful event to say the least.

In 1984, James resigned from Southwestern Public Service and started his own company, Atchison Electric, which was very successful for over 30 years.  In addition, he started another business with Joe Kay, AtchKo Electric Supply.  They were in business for only a few years.

In 1986, James began officiating High School and College Football.  During the 25 years that he was refereeing, he made many, many friends (& probably a few enemies) and he was honored to referee 2 State Championship games – one 6-man and one 5A.

James was elected to the City Council in 1988 and served the city of Denver City in that capacity until 1990.

Eventually James retired to play golf.  And in true James Atchison fashion, he excelled at that as well.  He won the Senior Championship at Yoakum County Golf Club 4 times and he hit not one, but two, holes in one.

Over the years, James could be counted on to emcee various pagents and other events on a regular basis.  James made it a point to support his daughters’ endeavors every way that he could.  He was a very proud, involved parent.  And he was a father figure to countless others.

James was so very proud of his grandsons and was very supportive and involved with their lives.  They will each miss him so very much.

James was a 32nd degree Mason.  He was a strong supporter of all things Denver City. He never met a stranger and went out of his way to help others. He exemplified integrity, strength, character and true friendship.

James passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2016 after a 5 year battle with colon cancer.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dolores;  his daughter, Amy, her husband Damon Fisher and their son, Owen Marshall Fisher of Driftwood, TX; his daughter, Pam, her husband Tim Georges and their sons, Carter Andrew and Spencer Timothy Georges of Mandeville, LA.  He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Coleman of Midland. In addition, survivors include numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother, Tom; as well as his first grandson who shared not only his name, but his birthdate, Parker James Georges.

Arrangements are with Ratliff Funeral Home in Denver City, TX. Visitation will take place on Monday, July 4, 2016 at Ratliff Funeral Home from 5 to 7pm.  Additional viewing will take place just prior to the service July 5th at 1pm at the First United Methodist Church in Denver City. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Denver City on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 2pm.  Masonic graveside service and burial to follow at Denver City Cemetery.

Honorary Pall Bearers are Lee Kidd and Josh Parker.  Pall Bearers are Perry Hunt, Terrell Pierce, Jim Risley, Bobby Trent, Carl Whittaker, and Tony Wright.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Archbishop Hannan High School Football Program 71324 Hwy 1077 Covington, LA 70433; The Miracle League at Town & Country PO Box 200277 Austin, TX 78720-0277 or www.miracle.tandcsports.org (put “field” in memory of James Atchison in memo line);  to honor his grandsons love of sports, or the charity of your choice.  James would be honored if everyone would go enjoy a round of golf with a friend, spend time with your family, drink a Crown & 7 with a twist of lime, or help someone in need and think of him.

related articles