James W. Atchinson

     James W. Atchison, age 63, died suddenly on January 16, 2023.  Jimmy was the son of the late Clayton W. Atchison and the late Frances M. (O’Hara) Atchison and brother of the late Joseph C. Atchison.

     Jimmy was born in Melrose and was educated in the Stoneham Public Schools, a proud member of the graduating class of 1979.  Jimmy worked in many places over the course of his life but is probably most remembered for his contributions to the food service departments of the former New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham and Winchester Hospital, where he made many friends.  

     Jimmy loved cats and had an uncanny recall of historical, musical and TV events.  He loved going out for lunch with friends and classmates, especially on his birthday.  Jimmy enjoyed spending time with friends at local church functions such as community dinners, Saint Anthony festivals and block parties.  Jimmy was also known for his love of holiday decorating.

     Jimmy would often ask, “Do you think they remember me?”  Jimmy, you are unforgettable!

     Jimmy is survived by his aunt Louise (Atchison) McCormack of Biddeford, Maine, his cousin Eunice “Cissy” Buchanan, of Kennebunk, Maine, several other cousins and his lifelong friend, Peter Minghella of Stoneham.

     A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Church in Stoneham on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10 am.  Interment will be on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11 am at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Patrick Parish, 71 Central Street, Stoneham or the Stoneham Community Dinner program, First Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Stoneham.  When sending a check, please write “In memory of Jimmy Atchison” in the memo line.  The Community Dinner program also has a PayPal account and donations can be made at paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9Q6PRSJSX2BX2

     A heartfelt thank you to those who worked together to make Jimmy’s services possible, the Stoneham High School Class of 1979 and three anonymous donors who live by the adage, “No man is alone who has friends.”