James "Jimmy" Atkins of Winston-Salem, NC passed away on August 11, 2025, after several years of fighting the good fight of faith. He was 77 years old. James was one of 7 children. He was born September 17, 1947, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Atkins, Sr. and Blondell Hilton Atkins Campbell.

He was educated in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System where he attended Atkins High School.

James worked for Ford Motor Company in New Jersey and later returned to his hometown of Winston-Salem. He was employed by and retired from, National Health Laboratories (LabCorp) after more than 18 years of faithful service as Purchasing Supervisor.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grand and great-grandfather.

James was a hardworking man who was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. James was a member of Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, under the leadership of Dr. Seth O'Larty before joining St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. James enjoyed evangelizing. He ministered the gospel to many in the Downtown Winston-Salem area on a daily basis. James could always be found either reading the Word or watching a James Bond...his two favorite pastimes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters. Deloris "Demp" Dizly and Katherine "Kitty" Clowers; and four brothers, Lee "June" Atkins, Jr., larry Campbell, Samuel "Sam" Campbell, and Roscoe "Ross" Campbell.

The life and memory of James Atkins are carried on by his lovely and devoted wife, Mary Howard Atkins; his four daughters Lenithia Tillman, Tonya Atkins, La'Trisa Howard (Kenell) Caesar, and La'Shaunda Howard (Anthony) Simes; and his only son, Shawn Howard; twelve grandchildren, Chavorian S. Atkins, Jeremiah Simes, Artisa Conrad, La'Shaun Shore, Shalom Caesar, Emmanuel Caesar, La'Niya Simes, Jamon Simes, Kela Caesar, Kai Caesar, Isaiah McKinney and Zaire Howard; four great-grandchildren; Chavorian N. "Cee" Atkins, Chanyn Crawford, Chaiya Crawford, and Amna Conrad-Stokes. Also left to cherish the memory of James Atkins are a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved and cherished dearly as well as his dear extended family and long-time neighbors, Nathaniel and Linda Thorns.

There will be no public viewing for Mr. Atkins. A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM, Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 5000 Noble Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105.