John Wesley Watkins Jr. of New Baden, IL was born in East St. Louis, IL on May 22, 1947 to Wanda Maxine Watkins and John Wesley Watkins Sr. John passed away Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL. A force to be reckoned with, Junior could hold court and command a room like no one else. He was a coach, a football player, a teacher, and a poet. When he spoke of his family, you could see the pride and joy in his eyes. He treated everyone equally and was known for the size of his heart: donating baseball equipment and uniforms to John’s baseball team in North Carolina, as well as donating to the Special Olympics, Wounded Warriors, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and whoever was in need along the way.
John, better known as “Chief,” taught at Clark Jr. High School (District 189) from 1972 to 2005 after graduating with Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. While at Clark, he coached football, basketball, track, and cross country, leading numerous athletes on to professional sports, awards, and accolades. While teaching, Watkins also coached baseball in the Mon-Clair League for four years. John's inner city experiences provided him a unique perspective and philosophy that he sought to share. Previously, he attended and played offensive line for Kansas State University Football team from 1965-1968. He graduated from East St. Louis High School in June 1965.
In retirement, John enjoyed his time at Fairmount Park training horses, coached the Wesclin High School football team and Belleville West High School Girls Basketball, collected coins, mastered black jack, and traveled to North Carolina, Las Vegas, and notable historic landmarks, particularly Gettysburg.
John, also known as June Bug, was preceded in death by his father John Wesley Watkins Sr.; his mother, Wanda Maxine (nee Ross) Watkins; and his mother-in-law, Eleanor Grace (nee Harper) Metcalf. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (aka “Cath”) Watkins; his children: Jennifer Watkins, John (Ashley) Watkins, Allison (J.T.) Crowder, Chris (Nicole) Watkins; his grandchildren: Wesley and Cooper Watkins; his brothers: Dennis, Patrick (Patty), James (Cynthia); and his in-laws: Molly Watkins Pratl, Ron (Linda) Metcalf, Bob (Anne) Metcalf, Mike (Kathy) Metcalf. “Uncle Juno” is survived by countless nieces and nephews. He is also survived by cousins, friends, students, and athletes. Tales of his impact can and will be regaled by many for years to come.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 5:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. at Fanduel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, formerly Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canter Horse Rescue of Illinois. https://canterusa.org/illinois/
CANTER Illinois 7290 Princeton Avenue, St. Louis MO 63130
We leave you with one of his poems:
“Don’t Hide Away the Love I Gave”
I’m gone now!
I’ve gone away!
I’ve got other things to do!
This world was strong!
It held me back!
It made me feel too blue!
Don’t hide away the love I gave,
Don’t save it just for you!
Share it, show it, give it away,
There are others who need it too!
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