Rev. James Atkins, Jr.

Reverend James Atkins, Jr. was born on February 25, 1964, to the late James Atkins, Sr. and Margaret Ann Watts-Atkins in Birmingham, Alabama. He passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, in his home in Darlington, South Carolina. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.

James was joined in marriage to his devoted wife, Andrena Vasser-Atkins, on May 26, 1996.

James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 13 at First Baptist Church of Acipco in Birmingham, Alabama under the leadership of the late Reverend Vincent C. Provitt. He rededicated his life to Christ in February of 1996 and joined Outreach Family Fellowship in Dillon, South Carolina. He was ordained as a Reverend in June 2007, under the pastoral care of Pastor Pat Tyler of Marion Christian Fellowship in Marion, South Carolina.

James was educated in the public school system in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Ramsey High School in 1982. Following high school, he attended the University of Alabama in Birmingham for Mechanical Engineering. He later transferred to the University of Huntsville. James attended Grace Christian College in 2007, where he obtained his associate degree in Biblical Studies and became an ordained Minister.

James had a successful career with Domino's Pizza. He started as a manager, got promoted to a consultant, and ultimately became a franchisee of multiple stores. Following his career at Domino's, he served our country as a contractor in Iraq in 2005. In 2010, he went to Afghanistan to continue his work as a contractor until his departure in 2018.

James and his wife Andrena volunteered their time traveling, building churches, and participating in Christian work projects worldwide in Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, and Thailand.

James was a dedicated and loving husband, great dad, and granddad. He called all of his daughters sweetheart and made sure all of his children were taken care of. He loved his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Opa.” James shared his love of travel with his wife and his family. He had an infectious laugh and loved to joke and play around with his family.

James loved sports and his favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and Alabama Crimson Tide. He had many interests.. pplHe loved to cook, bake, and golf.

James, a praying man, prayed for his family daily.

James was preceded by his parents, James Atkins, Sr. and Margaret Ann Watts-Atkins; and his grandfather, Lee T. Watts, Jr.

James leaves to cherish his fond memories: his devoted wife, Andrena Vasser-Atkins; three daughters, Carmen Atkins of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, O'Teesha (Mark) Cornelius of Atlanta, Georgia; and A'Keta Vasser of Columbia, South Carolina; a son, Antonius (Angela) Vasser of South Korea; three grandchildren, Nyles Geiger, Antonius Vasser, and Ayden James Vasser all of South Korea, a sister, Valorie Gail Atkins of Center Point, Alabama; one brother, Anthony Atkins of Panama City, Florida; a loving grandmother, Lois Watts of Birmingham, Alabama; six precious aunts, Brenda (Troy) Dixon of Melville, New York, Sylvia Watts, Marilyn Wilson, Cynthia McClammy, Hollis Atkins all of Birmingham, Alabama, and Anita Atkins of Ohio; one uncle Lee Watts III, of Oakland, California; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Pugh of Latta, South Carolina, Bernice (Charles) Johnson of Willingboro, New Jersey, Annie (Kenny) Smith of Dillon, South Carolina, and Catherine Scott of Hope Mills, North Carolina; a brother-in-law, Thomas Pittman of Trenton, New Jersey; as well as a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Please keep the family of Reverend James Atkins, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.