Jim Tobe Atkinson, a resident of Kenedy, TX, passed away April 2, 2024. He was born in Kenedy on March 4, 1939, to Marion M. and Annie Wallace Atkinson. In 1958, he wed Jean Lois Milam Atkinson in San Antonio, and together they shared a love for horses, rodeo, hunting, and fishing – particularly in Alaska.

In partnership with his father, he was an owner/operator of the Texaco Distributorship in Kenedy and the M.M. Atkinson & Son Cattle Company. In addition to the family cattle business, he was the Manager for Hendrickson Cattle Co. and Vaquero Cattle Co. in Texas. An avid horseman during the 1960s, he focused on breeding and showing Appaloosas. As his daughter began riding and showing Quarter Horses, he became involved with the Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders Association serving in leadership positions both on and off the track.

Beginning in 1966, Jim Tobe dedicated many hours to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., in various roles as a volunteer, Life Member, Director, and Director Emeritus. In recognition of his contributions and support to the organization, he was inducted into the S.A.L.E. Hall of Fame in 2008. He also served his community as a Hondo Creek Watershed board member from 1981 until his passing. In “retirement”, he was a security guard at the Valero plant in Three Rivers, and he and Jean traveled annually to their favorite places – Ruidoso, NM and Las Vegas, NV.

Jim Tobe was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean, and sister-in-law Mary Spreen. He is survived by his daughter Jamie and son-in-law Larry Brown of Kenedy, grandson Dusty Brown and his wife Julie of Kenedy, great-granddaughter Kate Brown of College Station, sister-in-law Ann Ransdell and husband Tom of Boerne, brother-in-law Louis Spreen and wife Mary Ann of San Antonio, as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27th, at 11 a.m. at the Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. or Pawnee United Methodist Church Building Fund are appreciated.