James M. Watkins

A funeral service, celebrating the life of James M. “Jim” Watkins, 82, of Hebron, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in the chapel of the Kirkersville home of HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service, with his pastor, Steve Snider as celebrant. A burial will follow in Kirkersville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, 285 E Main Street in Kirkersville.

Jim passed away Monday, August 26, 2024, with family at his side. He was born October 8, 1941, in Wheeling, WV, the son of the late James Melvin and Magda (Strickler) Watkins. He grew up in the Steubenville area, and graduated from Smithfield High School, class of 1960. He graduated from Franklin University with a degree in Engineering Technology, class of 1974.

Jim worked his entire career in the residential construction industry and was a professional surveyor. He developed many properties and constructed many homes in the central Ohio area and retired from Beazer Homes. He also worked for Fritsche homes, Whitestead, Homewood Corporation, Guild Homes, and Deluxe Homes.

Jim was an avid Bible Scholar, and enjoyed walking, and watching sports including OSU football and basketball.

He is survived by his loving family: his life partner Linda Runyon, his son and daughter-in-law James T. (Karin) Watkins, his daughter Tina Andrews, step daughters Tami (Joe) Colopy and Cindi (Chris) Strawser; his brother Terry (Andrea) Bell; his grandchildren Mady, Rachel, Chase (Drea), Cody (Shannon), Celeste, Cierra, Hayden, Madison and Olivia; his great grandchildren Owen and Luna. The mother of his children Gloria Watkins also survives Jim.

HOSKINSON Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Jim and the Watkins family.