James E. Atkinson, retired principal
Mr. James E. Atkinson Sr., 91, of Millsboro, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. Mr. Atkinson was born April 29, 1921, to the late Elmer Atkinson, DDS and Avis Sholfstahl Atkinson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Helen Atkinson in 2011; and brothers, Robert Atkinson and Donald Atkinson.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in World War II 11th Airborne and the U.S. Army Pacific Theater. He was a founding member of the Lutheran Church in Milford.
He earned his master’s degree in education at St. Bonaventure University. He taught at Shingle House High School and also was the basketball coach in 1947-53. He later became the principal at Milford High School from 1953-64, A.I. DuPont from 1965-67, John Dickinson from 1967-82. He continued to work full time until the age of 86. He was an animal lover and supported both the Humane Society and the SPCA and rescued many animals in his lifetime.
He is survived by his children, Gloria Jones of Georgetown, John Atkinson of Rose, Okla., James E. Atkinson Jr. of Millsboro with whom he lived; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Thursday, Jan. 24, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow the service at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, 111-A North Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
