Ms. June Atkinson

James “Jimmy” G. Atkinson was a life-long resident of Gloucester County and throughout his life a dedicated family man and leader in the Gloucester County Community. Born and raised in Washington Township, he attended Glassboro High School and served in the United States Naval Air Corps during World War II. After military service to his country, he and his wife June started a family and raised two sons, Glenn and Kenneth. In 1975 Jimmy began his “public” service to the community when he was elected to the Washington Township Committee. He served on the Township Committee for 9 years, and from 1977 – 1979 he served mayor of Washington Township. Jimmy was always involved in community matters; and was instrumental in creating the first Washington Township Little League and Midget Football Complexes, served as a Boy Scout leader, and was a co-founder of the Washington Township Junior Wrestling Program. While serving on Township Committee, he was a charter member of the Washington Township Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Township Historical Society and the Washington Township Athletic Association. Jimmy is also a member of the Glassboro Hall of Fame. In 1981, James continued his involvement in civic matters with his election to the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He was elected to six three-year terms on Freeholder Board and served 3 years with distinction as the Director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. During his Freeholder service, Jimmy continued his community involvement as a founding member of the Gloucester County Junior Wrestling League, and served as Chairman of the Gloucester County Employees Team, for the March of Dimes – Walk America. Jimmy also used his leadership talents to improve many of the Gloucester County departments and services. He was responsible for many of the improvements at the Gloucester County Nursing Home – Shady Lane – and served on its advisory Board. Jimmy also served for many years on the County Board of Social Services. Most important to Jimmy was the availability of open space and recreational areas for the citizens of the County. During his tenure on the Freeholder Board, the County purchased large quantities of land that are currently used as recreational areas including Scotland Run, Greenwich Lake Park, and the Pitman Golf Course. Jimmy was a driving force behind Gloucester County’s acquisition and preservation of Gloucester County farmland, and wanted to conserve Gloucester County farmland for future generations to appreciate. Jimmy was also a member of the Tri-County Water Quality Management Board. In the ever changing and growing Southern New Jersey region, he was one of the area experts on water quality and its availability. This scholarship is being established to carry on the legacy of James G. Atkinson’s work for all residents of Gloucester County. The scholarship is to be awarded annually to a person who shares the qualities that Jimmy demonstrated throughout his life; dedication and commitment to the community, an appreciation of recreational space and the need for society to preserve space for recreational and agricultural purposes, and civic service.