Justin Thomas Atkins' Obituary
Justin was born on August 23rd, 1984 in Tacoma, Washington. He was the middle child, of three children.
During Justin’s school years, he attended Christian Life School in Olympia, Washington, Mountain Ridge Middle School in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Timberline High School, Olympia, Washington. In 2001, proudly donning Cap and Gown, Justin received his GED at Fort Simcoe Job Corps in Yakima Washington. While attending Job Corps he also received his certificate in their Culinary Arts Program.
Upon graduation, at age 17, Justin joined the United States Army and being among the youngest soldier of the 82nd Airborne Division, he received recognition as the “Keeper of the Wings”. Although Justin’s military career was not extensive, he also earned a National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, and Parachute Badge.
Justin will be missed by his parents, Paul and Anne Young, Olympia, Washington, His older sister, Elizabeth Fitchett also of Olympia, Washington and younger brother Miquel Jones of Tacoma, Washington. He is also survived by his grandparents, Patrick and Darlene Jones of Hoquiam, Washington, aunts and uncles, Gary and Karen Schmuck of Lake Stevens, Washington, Kelly and Susan Jones of Carson City, Nevada, Justin and Vickie Jones, Hoquiam, Washington and Mark and Stephen Young of Olympia, Washington. Included in the list of those who will miss Justin are many cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family members and countless friends. But dearest to Justin’s heart are his two sons, Darren Thomas McCraney, 11 years old of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Justus Thomas Atkins, 3 months old also of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Justin loved family and football and hanging out with friends. He loved working with his hands, gardening and woodworking. In Justin’s adult life, he worked as a carpenter helping to build houses and took great pride in his work. Justin will be missed most by those who remember his big smile, hearty laugh and his absolute willingness to help others wherever he could.
Father, Son, Brother. Soldier of the 82nd Airborne, “Keeper of the Wings”. May God now and for eternity be the Keeper of “your” wings.
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