James C. Watkins, 79, of Olean Trail, New Bethlehem, died at approximately 5:00pm on Saturday July 18th at his home.
He was born on March 30, 1936, in Clarion County.
He was the son of Henry Bert and Enabelle May Watkins.
He attended White Memorial High School, now known as Keystone High School.
He was of the Baptist faith.
He was married on June 29, 1957 to the former Marylin “Bertie” Hopper and she survives. They were married for 58 years.
In his earlier years, Jim worked as a heavy equipment operator for local strip mining companies. Most recently he was an over the road trucker.
Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, James Jr. and his wife Carol of New Bethlehem, Bryan and his wife Carollyn of Hawthorn, Jodi Shick and her husband John of New Bethlehem.
7 grandchildren, Alison Watkins of New Bethlehem, Alex and wife Niki Watkins of New Bethlehem, Danny and wife Julie McDonald of New Bethlehem, Brandy Davis and Chuck of Summerville, Jamie and wife Billy Jo McDonald of Dayton, Christopher and Amanda Shick of California, and Joshua Shick of New Bethlehem.
11 Great grandchildren, Trista, Jase, Dustin and Erin, Dylan, Shania, Skylee, Tyler, Tanner, Kendall, Kaleb, and Bryleigh.
2 Great Great grandchildren, Derek and Carter.
He is also survived by a brother Robert and his wife Nancy Watkins of Knox, a sister Opal and husband Robert Johnston of Knox, and a brother-in-law Reno Hopper of Knox.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Betty Hopper, and one granddaughter Trista.
Family will receive friends from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday July 21st at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday July 22nd at the funeral home with the Rev. Rocky Hammond, pastor of First Baptist Church of New Bethlehem, officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of the Alcorn Funeral Home, 4065 Brookville St. Hawthorn, PA 16230.
Online condolences may be sent to Alcorn Funeral Home.
