A genuine cowboy rode off to be with his creator in greener pastures on Friday, September 5, 2008. Jack Douglas “JD” Atkinson, 58, was born in Poplar, Montana of October 27, 1949 to the late Paul and Belle (Edeline) Atkinson.
He attended school in Poplar until he was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He proudly served his country in the Viet Nam War from 1968-1971.
After returning to Poplar, JD married Leta Perry, the love of his life, on December 25, 1971. JD is the proud father of Jalee, Zack and P.J. and grandpa to Jace and Kyle.
JD enjoyed breaking and selling horses, hunting, and playing pool with his brothers and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, rodeos and bareback riding. A better storyteller there never was, his knack for remembering details of a story about something that happened 20 or 30 years ago were uncanny.
JD is survived by his wife Leta; sons Zack and P.J.; daughter Jalee; grandsons Kyle and Jace; adopted daughter Mary Werner all of Poplar, MT; sisters Glenna Madden, Letha Moore, and Helen Brummel all of Torrington, Wyoming, and Sissy Atkinson of Poplar, MT; brothers Swede (Lavina) Christian, Tom (Georgia) Atkinson, Bobby (Tana) Atkinson, Denver (Rose) Atkinson, Jamie (Rhonda) Atkinson, adopted brother Rusty (Claudia) Denny; aunt Audrey Buckles all of Poplar, MT.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Belle (Edeline) Atkinson; brothers Darrell ”Porky” Christian, Davie Archambeau; sister Judy Mitchell; nieces Tammy and Deanna Atkinson.
Visitation will be after 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church, Poplar, MT with a prayer service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Poplar Cultural in Poplar, MT. Interment will follow in Poplar City Cemetery, Poplar, MT.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.