James Thomas Watkins, Jr. passed away on August 9, 2022. He was born in Granville County, NC to James Thomas Watkins, Sr. and Helen Ruth Veasey Watkins on July 12, 1935. He attended Oxford High School and UNC Chapel Hill.
James was a member of Oxford Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church, Greensboro. He served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and on many committees and teams.
He worked at Lorillard Tobacco Co. for 38 years. His favorite activity after retirement was volunteering for Habitat for Humanity where he worked two days a week on the “Weekday Crew” for more than 20 years. In 2007, he was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine by Governor Mike Easley for his volunteer service and in 2011, awarded Volunteer of the Year for 20 years of service to Habitat for Humanity.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Diane Rowland Watkins, daughter, Joyce Watkins King (Gary), of Raleigh, NC; son, David Wayne Watkins (Carla) of Stoneville, NC and daughter, Helen Watkins Johnson (Freddy) of Blythewood, SC; grandchildren, Blake, Savannah, Hunter, Caroline, Hannah, Taylor and Bailey; and great grandchildren, Cash, Aloah and Dahlia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’s memory to the First Baptist Church Christian Assistance Fund, 1000 Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC, 27401
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Greensboro at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, 2022. The family will receive guests following the service in the church atrium. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
