James Atherton

James “Jim” Atherton, 74, of Bessemer, Alabama, passed away suddenly on January 23, 2025, after sustaining fatal injuries in a fall while walking his beloved dog, Maggie, in the area he loved. His loving wife of 50 years, Loretta Sarabia Atherton, his children, and brother-in-law were with him when he passed.

Jim was born in Buffalo, NY, to the late James G. Atherton and Libby Ferro but lived most of his life in Tampa, FL, moving to Bessemer to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He graduated from the University of Florida Pharmacy School and then worked most of his career at James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa before moving to Bessemer when his wife retired in 2021.

Jim was a man of few words and many interests. He enjoyed the outdoors, confiding once to his wife that he would have liked to be a forest ranger. Moving to his 4-acre home gave him the opportunity to work with nature, feed deer that roam his property, and watch the birds that frequent his bird feeders. Even though he could be considered an experienced world traveler having traveled throughout Europe and other foreign locations, his favorite vacations were out West where he could experience the unique beauty of our National Parks with his family and hike the summits of Pike’s Peak, Mt. Elbert, Half-Dome in Yosemite, Mt. Helena, and others with his brother-in-law, Gilbert Sarabia. He enjoyed climbing to the top of lighthouses to see the panoramic views and building Legos with his grandchildren. After moving to Alabama, he added thrifting to find “good deals” with his friend, Mike Johnson, to his many hobbies.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather (Papa) who considered it his life’s calling to serve others. It was not unusual to find him helping his children work on their homes, picking up his grandchildren from school or soccer, puttering around his wooded homestead, gardening with friends who could no longer lift heavy loads, or doing any other task for anyone who needed him.

Above all, Jim loved his Lord and Savior having served as an elder at the Antioch church of Christ in Thonotosassa, Fl., and most recently as a member of the church of Christ in Helena. He was a humble, kind, and patient man who showed the fruit of the Spirit in his daily walk. His children are forever grateful for the example he set for them in his work ethic and his devotion to the Lord.

Jim is survived by his wife, Loretta; daughter, Jessica Atherton; sons, Jim G. Atherton of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Daniel S. Atherton (Emily) of Bessemer; grandchildren, Samuel, Luke, and Grace Atherton of Bessemer; sister, Dianne McCabe of Okeechobee, Florida; brothers-in-law Gilbert G. (Cindy) Sarabia of New Port Richey, Florida, and Gary (Sherri) Sarabia of Lutz, Florida; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Southern Heritage Funeral Home from 10-11AM with memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sacred Selections at https://sacredselections.org/jim-atherton/