James W. Atchison, 83 of Ft. Myers, passed away on June 16, 2023 in Ft. Myers.

Jim was born in Burlington, VT to Grace and Weston Atchison on March 25, 1940. He graduated from Burlington High School and the University of Vermont. He was a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School and ordained as a Minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1966.

He served as Assistant Minister of First Congregational Church in Akron, Ohio. Following this he was the organizing pastor of two new churches; University UCC in Winter Park, FL and Ft. Myers Congregational UCC in Ft Myers, FL. He then served as Secretary for New Church Development for the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries in NYC. Returning to Florida, he served as Associate Conference Minister for the Florida Conference UCC and then concluded his active ministry as Pastor of the Church of the Palms UCC in Delray Beach, FL. Following retirement he served as Interim Minister at Community Congregational Church UCC in New Port Richey, FL.

While in Delray Beach, he was a member of the Rotary Club and recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Sigma Phi fraternity.

Jim is survived by his wife Candy; daughters Amy and Julie; son Paul; grandchildren Andrew, Courtney and Kevin; sister Gail; and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on July 27, 2023 at the Fort Myers United Church of Christ. Memorials may be given to Moffitt Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice.