Jim Atkinson grew up in a small town near Valparaiso and graduated from Boone Grove High School. He has a wife of 52 years, six children, and eight grandchildren.
“I grew up on a small farm just south of Valparaiso where I milked three or four cows daily, helped my father farm, and helped our neighbors put up hay,” Atkinson said. “I graduated from Boone Grove High School in 1965. While in school, l participated in cross country, basketball, and track and received two awards that I am proud of: Boys State Delegate and National Leadership Award.”
Atkinson has a large family that lives in Porter Township.
“I have been married to my wife Janet for 52 years, and we have three wonderful daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren, where we reside in Porter Township,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson’s wife has helped him through his life, and he is truly grateful.
“I owe my dear wife Janet everything that is good and meaningful in my life's journey,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. for political science and civil engineering where he grew a deeper appreciation for his country.
“I attended Purdue University for one year studying political science and civil engineering, and I was very patriotic. After one year at college, l enlisted in the Marine Corps,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson said his inspiration to join the military and ultimately fight for his country and his family came from his father and grandfather.
“I wanted to earn my right to live and raise a family in our country like my grandfather and father had done serving in the army during World War I and in the navy in World War II. I enlisted for two years fully expecting to re-enlist,” Atkinson said.
From there, Atkinson's career in the military began to expand and fully develop. He also picked up a new language.
“I finished boot camp in San Diego and then attended infantry training at Camp Pendleton. I became an ‘M60 Machine Gunner,’’’ Atkinson said. “The Marine Corps asked me if I wanted to be an officer, and I said that I wanted to be infantry and go to Vietnam. They sent me to ‘Defense Language School’ in Monterey, Calif. where I learned to read, write, and speak Vietnamese in a little over 13 weeks.”
Atkinson said the most valuable lesson he has learned in his life was in Vietnam.
“Vietnam taught me to always remember how short life is, and there is no time to be disrespectful to the young men and women who never had an opportunity to come home and have a life,” Atkinson said.
Then, Atkinson was sent to multiple countries and moved up in the ranks in the marines.
“I was flown to Hawaii, then onto Okinawa, and then onto Da Nang, South Vietnam. I was attached to an ‘Infantry Co. 2nd Bn 26th Marines’ where I served for six weeks and then I was placed in a ‘Kit Carson Program’ where I became an interpreter-interrogator.” Atkinson said. “I was meritoriously promoted to corporal in 15 months and sergeant in 17 months. I served 13 months in ‘Country-Several Operations’ alongside the demilitarized zone (DMZ Campaign 1969–71) and my last four months at Khe Sanh.”
After the military, Atkinson began to pursue various career paths throughout his life.
“After my military service, I graduated from carpenter apprenticeship school after four years. I became a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, and patrol lieutenant serving seven-plus years with the Porter County Sheriff's Office,” Atkinson said. “I earned my insurance licenses and series six investment license and worked as a financial planner for three years. I worked for US Steel in the carpenter shop for 24 years. I worked as a truck driver for Area Sheet Metal for three years and I have recently retired from Porter County Government as their service officer after 13 years.”
Amongst his many titles, Atkinson also helps out in many different areas throughout his community.
“I am currently a hospice volunteer for the VNA here in Northwest Indiana. I am a life member in eight veteran's organizations and recently served for two years as the department commandant for the Marine Corps League,” Atkinson said. “My family and I have been Toys For Tots coordinators for Porter County for the past 20 years. I am a past commander and a member of the American Legion Post #94 Color-Honor Guard for the past 25 years, I am currently the Post Chaplain.”
Atkinson would like to share this message with the younger generation in the community.
“Treat everyone as an equal, be kind, and always remember that you will pass paths again in life. Work hard, always be honest, and always be there for your family and very good friends. Always believe that there is a God and remember to ask him for help when needed,” Atkinson said.