Jackie Lee Atha Sr., 73, of Kimberly went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 30, 2015 after a long illness. Jack was a believer of the Apostolic faith and was a coal miner for over 20 years, eventually retiring from Cyprus Amax. He was also a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America. Jack enjoyed the outdoors and gardening, especially planting rose bushes and trees. Jack and his father built the first house he and his wife lived in over 50 years ago. There is an old saying that says "A man is not complete until he has done three things. Build a house, plant a tree, and raise a son." Jack accomplished all three and more and is definitely a man that his children and grandchildren can be proud of.
Jack was preceded in death by, and reunited with on Sunday morning, his Daughter, Beverly Sue Atha; Brother, Jerry David Atha; and Parents, Clarence and Freda Lewis Atha.
His is survived by his wife of 58 years Verlena Anderson Atha; Sons, Jackie Jr. and wife Penny of Beards Fork; Steven and wife Deborah of Deepwater; Daughters, Pamela Buckner and husband Haymond (Jabo) of Kimberly and Cheryl Hersman and husband Mark of Smithers; Brothers, Joe and wife Trudy of Kimberly; Johnny of Fayetteville and Sisters, Barbara Foster and husband Eugene of Chelyan; Brenda Workman of Kimberly and Beth Atha, also of Kimberly.
Jack was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved greatly and gained immense joy in his later years from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was proud of all of their accomplishments and was extremely close to them and cherished them immeasurably. They are as follows: Grandsons Kevin Buckner and wife Veronica of Kimberly; Michael of Kimberly; Cody of Beards Fork; Stevie of Deepwater; Granddaughters, Rebecca Holmes and husband Andy of Pratt; Angelia of Deepwater; and Great Grandsons Lucas of Kimberly; Brandon and Landon Holmes of Pratt; and Great Granddaughter Madison of Kimberly.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jack had a dynamic personality and had an incredible sense of humor with a boisterous laugh that was contagious. He was blessed with a wit that was truly inspiring. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Service will be 1:00 PM Thursday at O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery with Pastor Sal Bria and Rev. John Hurley officiating. Jack will be laid to rest in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens at Glasgow. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the church.
Bicycle Jack, we'll meet you again at the Pearly Gates. We were blessed to have had you and better because of it.