H*5020 Resolution, By Horne, Harrell, Knight and A.D. Young
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR E. JAMES "JIM" ATKINSON, UPON THE
 OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS
 FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   05/25/10  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-32

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR E. JAMES "JIM" ATKINSON, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that E. James "Jim" Atkinson will begin a much deserved retirement after thirty-seven years of distinguished service in the field of education; and

Whereas, the oldest of four children, he was born on January 18, 1951, and grew up in Marion County in a community called Ariel Crossroads on a farm where his father grew tobacco and some livestock; and

Whereas, at age fourteen, he won the county spelling bee, and he played basketball and baseball at Rains-Centenary High School graduating in 1969; and

Whereas, in 1973, he earned a bachelor's degree in education from The Citadel where he played basketball, and two years later, he earned a master's degree in administration and supervision; and

Whereas, Jim Atkinson began his career in education at Middleton High School and served there for ten years, first as a basketball coach and a teacher of social studies, for which he was named Teacher of the Year, and then as assistant principal; and

Whereas, for seven more years, he served in Charleston County schools as the principal at Orange Grove Elementary School from 1983 to 1988 and at St. Andrews High School from 1988 to 1990; and

Whereas, he served as principal at the Gregg Campus of Summerville High School from 1990 to 1992, at Fort Dorchester High School from 1992 to 1996 and again from 2007 to 2010, at Givhans Elementary School from 1996 to 1997, and at Windsor Hill Elementary School from 1997 to 2007, for a total of twenty years in Dorchester District 2 schools; and

Whereas, married to the former Jacki Rushing for almost fifteen years, he has four fine children, Jamy, Jennifer, Evan, and Alli, and has been blessed with two wonderful grandchildren; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the dedication and standard of excellence that E. James "Jim" Atkinson has provided for students in South Carolina for almost four decades and are pleased to learn that he will be enjoying a well deserved retirement with time for his favorite activities. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor E. James "Jim" Atkinson, upon the occasion of his retirement, and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to E. James "Jim" Atkinson.