John Robert “Jack” Atkins, Jr.
December 14, 1938 – July 6, 2021
John R. “Jack” Atkins, Jr. passed away July 6, in Okoboji, IA. Jack is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters, Chris and husband, Jeff Barratt, Rose and husband, KC McCormick, Patty and husband, Dolph Arnicar, Barbara, and Beverly; sisters, Patti Hellman and Mary Jane Atkins; grandchildren, Lauren and 
husband Marco, Ashton, Cassie, Lindsay, Zach, Austin, Kurt, and Alex. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Atkins; brother, Tom Atkins.
Jack was born Dec 14, 1938, in Omaha, NE. Jack spent most of his career in real estate and ran Elkhorn Housing Mart for many years. He was a historian and volunteered at the Durham Museum sharing his love of trains and railroad history, including his grandfather’s and great grandfather’s contributions. He was passionate about the history of Omaha and contributed through lectures and the book ‘Cigars and Wires: The Omaha Underworld’s Early Years’. Jack loved teaching golf at Omaha Field Club to his daughters, granddaughters and to the Westside Girls Golf team and was instrumental in promoting the legacy of his uncle, Johnny Goodman, the last amateur to win the US Open.
Family will receive friends Friday, July 9th from 4pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel with sharing of MEMORIES AND STORYTELLING from 6pm to 7pm. FUNERAL: Saturday, July 10th at 10:30am at the West Center Chapel. Private Interment. Memorials are suggested to the Douglas County Historical Society. http://www.douglascohistory.org
Flowers can be ordered by https://www.gobeyondthevine.com/ 402-397-4585.
To view live broadcast of Memories and Storytelling and Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.
To view a tribute to Jack Atkins, copy this link to your browser: https://youtu.be/NuqsTYBuyc8.
20 Comments
sending much love your way Patti and family! Ken and I are so glad that we got to meet him when he visited in Del Mar…bigger than life.❤️
Dear Patty, Our sympathy to you all your family. We’re fortunate to carry vivid memories of Jack. He lived large and fully.
We were so sorry to here about Jack’s passing yesterday. We lost track of jack when he moved, however had the opportunity to see him at the U.P. Museum, his old apartment, the Johnny Goodman Golf Course and Cabala’s while vacationing in Omaha. Whenever someone gets up in years, you know anything can happen, all the while the news still comes as a surprise as Jack always seemed to have so much energy. The Goodman Family send our love and prayers to all of you at this time. We will be there with you in spirit. Hugs from Prescott, AZ.
Jack will be missed!
Oh Pat. I am so sorry. I wish I was there to be with you. May God bless you, family during this difficult time. Sharon.
Sending prayers and support to you and your family.
Rest in peace Grandpa Jack
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to our dearest friend Pat Hellman and the entire Atkins family.
The Story of Jack will be remembered by me and I’m fortunate to have crossed paths with him. Even though the encounters may have been brief, he was a caring and engaging individual.
My heartfelt condolences to the Atkins family
Sorry for your loss. He was a great friend to my dad
My sincere condolences to the friends and family of Jack. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak about his book a couple of years ago. His stories were terrific tales of Omaha history. He was so affable and easy to talk to. I’m glad I had the chance to meet him. Omaha’s great historians are leaving us, and we will be the poorer for it. Listen and learn while you can!
We are very sorry for your loss. Barbara and the entire Atkins family is in our thoughts and prayers…
My sincere condolence for your loss. Patty. Holding you and your entire family in prayer.
Patti, my condolence on the loss of your Dad. Much love to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to you all. Many memories here in the Field Club neighborhood and especially at the club.
Sorry to learn about our life long friend passing away in our beloved Okoboji where he visited us the last time we saw him. We shared many good times together with our parents and families. He was always a joy to be with sharing many interests from writing books about Omaha to trains. We will treasure always the memories of our dear friend. Our condolences to the family.
Dear Patty & family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack, my 2nd cousin. Having met him only once just 10 years ago, Jul 4, 2011, he did keep me posted on family events. He was a very eventful person who enjoyed life. May he rest in peace….cousin Barbara
DeatrPatty & Family, So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Although I only met my 2nd cousin once, on Jul 4, 2011, we did correspond frequently. I will treasure that time I was able to meet some of the Atkins’ cousins. May Jack rest in peace!
Patti and her Sisters,
Sorry for your loss. Your Dad raised quite a group of gals that I have met and heard about over the years. My wishes for a warm time together to celebrate your Dad’s life.
XXO, Judy
Patty, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. At times such as these, there never seems to be a “right” thing to say. Simply know you are surrounded by incredible support, and you and yours remain in thoughts and prayers.
Todd
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