James A. Watkins

James A. Watkins, age 87, of Wichita, Kansas went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Jim was born July 12, 1934 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to Chester and Elizabeth Watkins. He had one sister, Betty Jane.

Jim graduated Beaver Falls High school in 1952. After high school he joined the United States Army where he served 2 years. He married the love of his life, Eleanor on December 2, 1955. Together they had 3 children Bob, Rebecca, and Barbara. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. Jim worked at Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania for 37 years, where he retired as a manager. He was an active member at Concord United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He directed the choir, served in youth ministry, and participated in various leadership roles. He loved Jesus and lived out his faith in devotion to his daughter who had Down Syndrome and his wife and children. He enjoyed spending time with his 5 grandchildren, and was an avid golfer. Jim loved to spend his time serving others with Habitat for Humanity, youth mission trips, and lending a helping hand to anyone who was in need. He was a passionate, die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, bleeding black & gold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one son, and one daughter.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Eleanor, daughter Rebecca (Bob) Ingram, grandchildren Heather Watkins, Chad, Emily, Megan, David Ingram, special neighbor Andy Brown, and devoted caregivers April Criner-Shaw and Rutha Williams.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 5 p.m.-7p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209. A graveside service will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

Memorial contributions can be made to Concord United Methodist Church (Missions), 285 Concord Church Rd. Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15010.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Watkins-Ingram family.

The family has requested the service to be livestreamed from Resthaven Mortuary & Resthaven Gardens of Memory Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ResthavenMortuary/