James Watkins

James Marl Watkins, 73, died at 5:30 a.m. July 3, 2008, at his residence. He was born March 6, 1935, in Bluffton, Ohio to Robert "Bob" and Agnes Marie Jones Watkins, who preceded him in death. On December 21, 1958, in Lima, Ohio, he married Rosezella M. Benjamin, who survives. Mr. Watkins worked for 31 years as a master floor mechanic installing flooring for Basinger Furniture, Bluffton, Styline Floors, E. Larry Moles and Dietrich's. He was a member of Bluffton Missionary Church for 16 years, Northside Mennonite Church for 17 years and Lima Community Church of the Nazarene for 22 years. He held different offices in church. He sang in the church quartets and Christmas Choir. He graduated from Bluffton High School in 1954. He served in the Army with a tank division from January 3, 1955, to December 5, 1956, with the rank of private first class. He was a member of the YMCA and its Indian Guides. He loved his Lord, church, family and friends. He wanted all his family to be saved and to be with him in heaven someday. He said, "When I close my eyes in death and then open my eyes, I will see Jesus face to face." Survivors also include a daughter, Kimberly Beasley Beery, of Bluffton, Ohio; three sons, Christopher "Chris" Michele) Watkins, Bruce (Kimberly) Watkins and Thomas (Mona) Watkins, all of Lima, Ohio; a sister, Sylva Suchecki, of Arlington Heights, Illinois; two brothers, Robert (Evelyn) Watkins, of Thornton, Colorado., and Boyd Watkins, of Bluffton, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Nathan (Lauren) Beasley, Amber Beasley, Audrey Beasley, Toby Gipson, Samuel Watkins, Ashley Watkins and Sarah Francis; a great-granddaughter, Madison Beasley; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Welty and Anna Wind, and a brother, George Watkins. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Revs. Vince Nelson and Terry Ayers will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday and noon to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Hospice, 770 W. North St., Lima, OH 45801, or Lima Community Church of the Nazarene, 2945 N. Cole St., Lima OH 45805. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.