Owner of Tumbleweed in Dayton’s Oregon District dies

Tumbleweed Connection owner James "Jime" Atkinson has died Dec. 22, 2020, following a six-day stay in Hospice. MARK FISHER / STAFF FILE

Tumbleweed Connection owner James "Jime" Atkinson has died Dec. 22, 2020, following a six-day stay in Hospice. MARK FISHER / STAFF FILE
Local News
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Dec 23, 2020
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The owner of one of the oldest and most well-known bars in Dayton’s Oregon District has died.

James “Jime” Atkinson, who owned the Tumbleweed Connection at 454 E. Fifth St. for about four decades, died Tuesday, the bar staff announced on social media. His death followed a six-day stay in Hospice care.

With heavy hearts we are sad to announce that Jim Atkinson passed away today. Please keep his family and his Tumbleweed family in your prayers. 😢

Posted by Tumbleweed Connection on Tuesday, December 22, 2020

One former regular patron on Tumbleweed Connection wrote on the Facebook post: “The Tumbleweed was the greatest place to hang out, and Jime was one reason for that environment.”

“He will be missed ... Prayers for his family and loved ones,” the post said.

The popular bar was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in February 2012.

“It is a loss, it is devastating and what can you do, though,” Atkinson told the Dayton Daily News at the time.

He said he and many others stood and watched as the building burned.

The Tumbleweed Connection has a nicely designed wrought-iron fence and gate for its patio.

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Jen Roppel Balduf covers breaking news for the Dayton Daily News. She earned a bachelor of science in journalism degree from Ohio University and also writes for the Journal-News, Springfield News-Sun and Dayton.com.