James E. Watkins

James E. Watkins, 81 years old, a resident of Plymouth since 1979, passed away at 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at Pilgrim Manor in Plymouth. Jim was born on Feb. 2, 1939, in Spencer, to the late Wendell H. and Freida (Pearcy) Watkins. On Nov. 23, 1960, in Mooresville, IN, Jim and Carolyn Moore were united in marriage. Carolyn preceded her husband in death on Oct. 6, 2019. Jim was a talented welder and worked in sales and service in the vending machine industry.

Jim is survived by his two children, Janet (Charles) Hinton of Argos, and Chad (Amy Grove) Watkins of Etna Green; and one granddaughter, Regan Watkins. Along with his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Jay E. Watkins on Aug. 8, 2015; twin granddaughters, Hannah and Heidi, on May 7, 1997; three sisters, Jane Burkett, Mary Jo Brinson, and Phyllis Nichols; and one brother, Robert Watkins.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Center, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville. Johnny Shoffner and Gary Lee Brinson will co-officiate. A private burial will be held at Tyner Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of James E. Watkins may be donated to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617, American Heart Association, 6100 W. 96th Street, Unit 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or to National Kidney Association of Indiana, 911 E. 86th Street, Unit 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.