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James Verrill (JV) (Bokey) Atterberry died August 8, 2002. He is survived by his only child, Angela Atterbury;, his only grandchild, Austin J Atterbury-Kiernan, both of Albuquerque, NM; his last surviving sister, Verna Vandemeer of Torrance, California; sister-in-law, Ann Atterbury of Bellflower, CA; nephews, Ken, Don and Randy Atterbury of Orange County, California; niece, Diane Routh and husband, Larry of Houston, Texas and a bunch of talented and good-looking great-nieces and nephews. Bokey was born to Vera Susanne Hemphill Atterbury and John Wesley Atterbury on May 9, 1925, in Blue Ridge, Texas. JV was a manager of White Stores, Inc., on Central Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico for more than 20 years; he was an inspiring employer to many and made a point of hiring Vietnam Veterans. When he retired as manager of White's in Albuquerque, he bought a store in Roswell, New Mexico, where he ran a successful business before retiring five years ago. Bokey was an excellent hunter, using bow and muzzleloader for a variety of game. He was the last and eighth child of Vera and JW; she was in her late forties and he in his early fifties when JV was born. He served as a Merchant Marine in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during WWII; his boat was fired upon by U-boats in the Atlantic. His grandmother was a full blood Kaskasia (Tall Backs) Native American, chief tribe of the Illinois Confederacy. He also was descended from Francis Atterbury, who was chaplain to Queen Anne, founder of Westminster Library, Dean of Westminster Cathedral, founder of the first philosophy club in London during the 1700's, the Kit Kat Club, a peer of Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, who often edited Pope's works. While that man is buried in Westminster Abby in London (next to this century's tourist information desk) JV will be buried in Westminster, Texas, near his grandparents, Francis Marion Atterbury and Nancy, the Tall Back, who helped found the Texas city in the 1870's after moving from Illinois down the Big Sandy River. They helped start the Methodist University there. JV was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. He rescued dolls from trash heaps. He drove a mean four wheel drive. He was an ornery man who had a very sensitive interior. He will be loved and missed by those who knew him. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday with a memorial service following the visitation at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas NE in charge of arrangements.
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