James D. Atherton

James D. Atherton, 73, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Georgia, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020, while under hospice care. Son of the late Harlo H., Jr. and Marian E. (Whitman) Atherton, Jim was born on December 5, 1946 in Hornell, NY.

Upon graduation from Perry Central High School, Perry, NY, Jim entered the military, serving in the 494th Squadron of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing in the US Air Force at Lakenheath, England; from 1966-1969 he worked as a crew chief on F-100 Super Sabres. After his service, he kept an interest in military aircraft and enjoyed going to airshows and museums. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, both on TV and at the track, and was a lifelong fan of Ford cars and trucks. Having moved to Central Pennsylvania for the latter years of his life, he became a member of American Legion Post 26 – Dillsburg, and he was also converted into a Penn State football fan.

Surviving Jim are his two sons, Clay D. Atherton of Winder, GA, and David J. Atherton (Corina) of Millford, OH; two sisters, Donna Wirsching (Frank), and Janet Carney (Ray); grandchildren, Kayla Atherton, Felicia Atherton, Ethan Guseman, and Olivia Atherton; nieces and nephews, Heidi Waring, Wendy Southard, Tricia Carney, Tim Carney and Tracy Carney; brother-in-law, James F. Pitzer; and sisters-in-law, Rebecca Normand and Joann Bowen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda (Pitzer) Atherton (2018).

A funeral service will be held at 6PM on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. A visitation will begin one hour before the service at the funeral home. A private burial will take place in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Jim’s name to either of the following: United Service Organizations – USO Department WS, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860 or Disabled American Veterans – Disabled American Veterans Charity, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.