06/15/2026
James David Atkins, 71, of Pearson, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, surrounded by his devoted daughter, Ariane Lefaye Howard, and devoted son-in-law, Joel Stacy Howard.
James was born on October 28, 1954, in Waycross, Georgia, to George Atkins Sr. and Lilla Mae Daniels. He graduated from Waycross High School in 1973 and pursued a career with the Georgia Forestry Commission, where he enjoyed fighting wildfires. He later worked for the Waycross Post Office.
As a young adult, James detailed cars on the side as a hustle. No one — and I mean no one — could clean and detail a car like James. He later went to work for the Ford company as their head detailer. After that employment, he worked for George Dempsey detailing cars for more than 22 years. James had a true passion for detailing cars. Other employment included Gold Key Car Dealership, McDonald’s, Howard’s Café, and Meadows Park Rehabilitation. James worked until he physically could not work anymore. He was a hardworking and dedicated man who genuinely enjoyed working.
James’s hobbies included spending time with family and friends. At an early age, he learned to play lead guitar and played for many churches and groups. He was known for his beautiful sound and musical talent. James also enjoyed riding motorcycles and often rode with several close friends. He especially enjoyed participating in parades. In addition, James enjoyed making furniture. He was a talented craftsman who designed and built custom wooden furniture such as TV stands and end tables. He also loved upholstery cleaning.
James accepted Christ at the age of 13 and was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. At an early age, the Lord began dealing with James about preaching the Word of God. James was a man of faith, prayer, and biblical principles. He loved the Lord with all his heart and raised all of his children in the church.
Elder James Atkins was ordained as a minister of the Gospel of Christ and of The First Born Church of the Living God in 1978 under Senior Bishop Henry Echols. His home church was First Born Church of the Living God, Inc. #2 (Hebardville), where he served faithfully under the leadership of Elder Willie Rhodan and later Elder Freddie Tisby for more than 15 years. Elder James Atkins also served as a minister of the Gospel and lead guitarist for Church of Christ Written in Heaven under the leadership of Bishop John A. Moss. He later became a member of Elder Moore Church in Folkston, Georgia, where he served faithfully. Elder James was most recently a member of God’s House in Patterson, Georgia, under the leadership of Pastor Jackie Welch. Throughout his life, Elder Atkins devoted himself wholeheartedly to Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lilla Mae and George Atkins of Waycross, Georgia; brothers, Isaiah Atkins and Wilbur Johnson Jr.; and sisters, Betty Jean Lively, Tifta Atkins, “Doodie” Atkins, and Rosetta Atkins.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: James (Sheila) Atkins Jr.; Ariane Faye Howard, a devoted and compassionate caregiver, and her husband, Joel; Latoria Jarrideau Bowdry; Shonterricia Atkins; Aeteria Atkins; and James (Regina) Atkins III; along with a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers, John (Beth) Atkins of Moss Point, Mississippi, and Calvin Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina; sisters, Georgia Mae Reaves of Pearson, Georgia, and Evelyn Johnson of Waycross, Georgia; a special devoted and loving niece, Minister Tijuana; a host of nieces and nephews; his devoted best friend, Leonard Burse Jr., with whom he shared more than 50 years of friendship; and a very loving and caring special friend, Natayah Gardner.
