James R. Watkins

James R. Watkins, age 90, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, July 26, 2021, while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House at New Philadelphia.

Born in the family’s New Philadelphia home on January 5, 1931, Jim was a son of the late David and Florence (Sherer) Watkins.

He was a 1949 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Jim attended Ashland College and Kent State Tuscarawas where he studied Applied Management and Accounting. Professionally, Jim worked for Empire Detroit Steel at Dover for 40 years and retired as the Assistant Manager of Production Control.

Jim enjoyed Ballroom Dancing and attending competitions with his wife, golfing, watching the airplanes at Harry Clever Field, and feeding the wildlife around his home.

He will be missed by his family that includes his son, William C. (Nancy) Floyd of Alliance, Ohio; his daughter, Karen (Don) Lawver of Dover; his grandchildren, Aaron Watkins of Dover, Sarah Watkins of Gnadenhutten and Jordan Lawver of Denver, Colorado; his great-grandchildren, Ross and Jeremy Watkins of New Philadelphia and Orion Welsch of Gnadenhutten as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, whom he married on June 14, 1969, and shared in 44 years of marriage prior to her passing on July 24, 2013; his siblings, Willard Watkins, John Watkins, Opal Krantz, Max Watkins, June Schmidt, Robert Watkins, and Alice Lentz.

No visitation or services are scheduled. Cremation will be conducted through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. A private inurnment with military honors will be held in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

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