James Brown Atkins

James B. Atkins, 56 of Port Orchard, Washington, died on April 13, 2002 at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. He was born on September 18, 1945 in Seattle, Washington to John & Joyce (Brown) Atkins. He attended Catholic School to the 3rd grade and then attended South Kitsap Schools through 10th grade, graduating from Camp LaJuene. He attended East Carolina college and also Olympic College in Bremerton. James married Joyce Reinbold on January 17, 1970 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Mr. Atkins and his wife owned Diamond Ring Enterprises for 2 years. He worked for Spaeth Moving & Storage, Poulsbo-Seattle Auto Freight, Peninsula Trucking, & Caseco Excavating. James drove from west coast to east coast with multiple truck lines, including years with Frontier Transportation out of Alaska & was a Dispatcher at Prudoe Bay. He also worked as a Pro-Golf Assistant at Camp LaJuene and worked at a men's clothing store in Jacksonville. James served two tours of duty from November 1965 to December 1969 with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Division in the Vietnam War, receiving 5 medals & the Sharp Shooters Award. While raising his family he coached Little League, Babe Ruth All Stars, and soccer. He enjoyed golf & hunting. Upon retirement, he was an active participant with his wife for many community charities. James truly loved children, dogs, fishing & boating. He was a member of the NRA, Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club, and Boy Scouts of America.Surviving are his wife, Joyce; sons Jeffrey J. Atkins & Mark R.O. Atkins, both of Port Orchard; brother John H. Atkins, Jr. of Portland, Oregon; sisters Joy Wickwire of Kirkland, Washington, Janet Atkins of Seattle, and Julie Atkins of Bremerton; several nieces, a nephew, and many close friends.A private Memorial Service is planned. Inurnment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. Memorial donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, 1224 M Street NW, Washington D.C. 20005-5183 or the Kitsap Humane Society.