James Watkins

James ("Jim") Richard Watkins, 80, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, his daughter Hanson, and his daughter-in-law Ann. He was born on May 12, 1944 at Hargis Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama.

He is predeceased by his parents JD Watkins and Catherine Mae Martin Watkins.

He attended elementary school at Chalkville Elementary when it was a three room school with three teachers and six grades. As a student at Trussville, he was involved in band, baseball, and football and excelled at all three. Jim served as a Scout Leader as a young man and also when he became a father.

He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1968, where he met Mary. While there, he joined the Delta Chi fraternity and formed lifelong friendships. Jim began his career with IBM. His professional journey soon expanded into real estate and entrepreneurship. He started a real estate company in Oneonta that later became a Century 21 franchise before starting his own brokerage, mortgage company, and was involved in several other related businesses. From coal brokering, mining and trucking to real estate development and home building, Jim thrived in countless ventures, and his creative energy extended even to helping design equipment for his daughter Hanson's candy company, Indie Candy.

Jim’s passions extended far beyond his successful business ventures—he was a true outdoorsman who found joy in the natural world and the company of friends and family. Golf was one of his greatest outlets, particularly with the Vestavia Country Club Grinders group, his NWAG buddies, and on trips with the Donald Ross Society. His love for the outdoors wasn’t limited to the golf course; he was a lifelong hunter, and he enjoyed fishing, sailing, canoeing, gardening, and even arranging flowers.

Jim had a deep-rooted commitment to conservation, actively participating in organizations that reflected his respect for nature. He was a long-time member of the Cahaba River Society, Ducks Unlimited, and the Shoot N' Brag Club, founded by Harry “The Hat” Walker in Leeds, among others. Some of his most cherished memories were the father-son canoe trips to Canada, that were indeed true adventures. Jim’s love for the outdoors was a defining part of his life, and he shared that passion with everyone around him.

A man of quiet but strong faith, Jim was a lifelong Baptist and a member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church for over 30 years. His faith guided him through life, and he was always there for those who needed advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear.

Jim’s family meant the world to him, and he was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved creating traditions, such as the special New Year’s Eve “trips” he organized for his grandchildren where he taught them about different countries’ food, history, and customs. Jim was always teaching, always encouraging, and always finding ways to spend meaningful time with his loved ones.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary Hanson Watkins, brother Dr. John Watkins (Sheila), sister-in-law Carol Hanson (Lee), son Jimmy Watkins, daughter Hanson Watkins, son Joshua Martin Watkins (Ann Marie), and grandchildren Jack Spine, Emma Watkins, Charlie Spine, and Ella Watkins, nephew Brax Watkins (Kim), nieces Katey Watkins, Candace Underwood (Richard), Holly Smith (Fred), Heather Payne (Mike).

The memories of his creativity, sense of humor and ability to remember every person he ever met will continue to inspire all who knew him. Few people have wrung as much out of life as Jim Watkins.

Visitation will be at Mountain Brook Baptist Church on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with the service at 2:00 p.m. in the gym due to construction.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Brook Baptist Church or your favorite charity.