Obituary of James Lindy Atkinson

August 10, 1928 – Ringling, Oklahoma 
July 6, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

James Lindy Atkinson passed away in Calgary with his children by his side on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the age of 94 years.

James was born on August 10, 1928 in Ringling, Oklahoma, first born to Jesse James Atkinson and Gladys Ann Fisher. He grew up in Oklahoma where he played football, boxed, and taught diving. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and was a lifelong supporter of his beloved “Sooners”. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, he married Joanne Atkinson (1951-1971) and soon after travelled overseas to serve in the United States Marines as a Captain in the Korean War (1950-1953). The Korean War had a big impact on him, and he would seldom speak of his experiences but when he did, it would bring tears to his eyes. 

James, Joanne, and their two children (Mark and Lynde) lived in Denver, Colorado where James founded Atkinson Woods Strain, a geological consulting firm that did work primarily in the DJ Basin in Colorado. James saw a great opportunity in Alberta as he heard about the large oil and gas discoveries being made in the Western Canadian Basin (Leduc 1947) which enticed him, and he wanted to be a part of. He decided to risk it all and headed up north to Canada. He moved his young family to Calgary, Alberta in 1957 where his youngest son Blair was born in 1959. He became the first Canadian Apache Oil Corporation employee in 1959. In 1960, James went on to work for the Brinkerhoff Brothers until they sold their Oil & Gas assets to Sun Oil Company in 1964. James then founded Atkinson Petroleums Ltd. in 1967, one of the first independent oil and gas companies in Canada. In 1972, Atkinson Petroleums Ltd. changed its name to APL Oil & Gas Ltd., and in 1998 sold its shares to Beau Canada Exploration and became APL Oil & Gas (1998) Ltd. until selling most of its assets to Tourmaline Oil Corporation in 2012. APL Oil & Gas (1998) Ltd. continues to be an active Oil & Gas company in Canada and is now run by his son Mark Atkinson. 

James taught himself to play golf at the age of 29 and went on to develop a passion for the sport. James enjoyed the competitive aspect of golf but more than anything he loved the friendships he formed while playing golf. James loved to travel and shared tales of his adventures abroad. He loved to acquire art from all the places he visited. His art collection was his pride and joy. James met Linda May Peirce in 1972 and they were married in 1981. After many years and adventures, they divorced in 1998. In 1999, James met Betty Naomi Denler in California and they were together until he passed away. James spent nine years living in the Bahamas and often travelled to South Africa where he bought a winery called Amani Vineyards (Pty) Ltd. and started two thoroughbred horse racing businesses called Apache Stud and Vintage Thoroughbreds LLC. He was proud when his horse “War Artist” came in second to the Queen’s Horse at the Royal Ascot but was disappointed that he did not get the opportunity to introduce Betty to Queen Elizabeth II. Another horse named “Linngari” finished 2nd at the Dubai World Cup in 2007. During the last 10 years of his life, James spent his summers in Calgary where he was an active member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club and enjoyed golfing with his son Mark. He enjoyed spending his winters in Rancho Mirage, California. 

James was known for his big voice, charm, quick witty humour and he loved being the centre of attention. He was known to be a tough cookie but to those who knew him well, he was a gentle and caring soul. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family. 

James was predeceased by his parents Jessie James Atkinson and Gladys Ann Fisher; sister Tjuana Atkinson; son Blair Atkinson (2022); grandchildren, Forest Myers (2006) and Joline Atkinson (2015). James is survived by his children Mark Atkinson and Lynde Myers (Rusty); grandchildren, Nicole Brilz (Tyler), Jordan Myers (Andrea), McKenzie Myers (Michelle) and Rachel Atkinson (Jordan); and his great-grandchildren, Tyra Bruce, Austin Parlee, Lola Emperingham, Aliyah Brilz and Rowan Myers. 

Rest in peace, Dad, we love you.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of James Atkinson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.