James “Jim” Robert Atkins, DVM, 86, of Guymon, OK, passed away December 7, 2017, in Amarillo, TX.  He was born to Anthony Poole Atkins and Winifred Blanche Rhodes Atkins on March 2, 1931, in Liberal, KS. He graduated from Guymon High School in 1948 and from Oklahoma State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in May of 1954.  He was united in marriage to Ardyth Evonne Skewes on August 20, 1950, in Guymon, OK.  He had two children, a daughter, Mary Anne Atkins Mayer and a son, John Arthur Atkins.  He practiced veterinary medicine in Guymon and then joined the family cattle ranching operation until he retired in 1999.  He and Ardyth moved to Lake Palestine in Flint, TX for eight years before returning to the panhandle area.  They lived in Pampa, TX for three years, and then moved back to Guymon in 2010.  He was a member of Victory Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and helped with the men’s annual Groundhog breakfast.  He was involved in Toastmasters and was a Master Mason.  He served as Director of the City National Bank & Trust for many years. He enjoyed trap shooting, fishing, camping and golfing.  He was a pilot, and he flew often to check cattle.  He had a quick wit and was often heard whistling.  He was a loving grandfather to his four grandchildren who have fond memories of his delicious homemade fudge.  He enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge, bourré, and blackjack. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, A.P. “Red” Atkins and Winifred Atkins, his sister, Marcia Walden, and his wife of 66 years, Ardyth Skewes Atkins.

He is survived by his children, daughter, Mary Anne Mayer and husband, Joe of Guymon, OK and son, John Atkins of Amarillo, TX; his grandchildren Katherine Christensen and husband Laurits of Evergreen; CO,  Margery Rice and husband Chad of Guymon, OK;  Paul Mayer and wife Paige of Guymon, OK; and Ryan Atkins and wife Brenda of Amarillo, TX. He is also survived by ten great grandchildren: Anna, Rachel and Sarah Christensen; Eric and Gunnar Rice; Seth Mayer, Shadi Nettles, Paislee Boles; and Jacob and Emily Atkins.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Henson-Novak Funeral Home with Bill Newman officiating.

Friends may go to www.hensonnovak to leave a message or online condolence.

Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch care of Henson Novak Funeral Home.

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