Jimmy L. Watkins

Jimmy L. Watkins, 78, of Salesville, died Tuesday (March 11, 2014) at his home.

He was born May 5, 1935 in Bankston AL, son of the late James Watkins and Gertrude (Harbin) Watkins.

Mr. Watkins retired from General Motors in 1988.

He was a member of the Quaker City Baptist Church.

He was a member of the VFW and also the American Rifle Association. He loved NASCAR, hunting, fishing, and his dog, Taz. He also loved cheating in cards.

Mr. Watkins was a US Navy veteran, having served on the USS Brinkley Bass during the Korean War.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Watkins; and two sisters, Virginia "Tippy" Boyd and Gloria Hershman.

He is survived by his wife, Janet (Surber) Watkins of the home; a son, Bob Watkins of Salesville; four daughters, Wanda Watkins of Parma, Brenda (& Bruce) Klaas of Brunswick, Sandy (& Jim) Foose of Parma, and Karen (& Jay) Wills of Cambridge; four sisters, Ann Boyd of Florida, Johnnie Branum of Florida, Mary Nelson of Florida, and Sharon Estep of Cleveland; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will be held Friday (March 14, 2014) at 10 a.m. with Pastor Larry Jellison officiating.

Burial will be at Guernsey Memory Gardens, Cambridge, with military honors conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council.