James Francis Watkins

James Francis Burton Watkins, age 84, of New Philadelphia went home to be with the angels Thursday, August 16, 2007 in Mercy Medical Center at Canton.Born October 21, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, James was the son of the late Francis Arleigh and Lula (Collins) Watkins. After graduating from East High School in Akron in 1941, James continued his formal education at the University of Akron. James joined the United States Navy where he honorably served our country from November of 1942 through January of 1946. While serving our country, James was a Petty Officer Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class having served at Guadacanal, Bouganville, Esperito Santos, Sterling Island, and Truck to name a few. He then joined the professional work force where he enjoyed many years of service as a purchasing agent for companies including the American Hard Rubber Co., Storm Windows of Aluminum, Alsco Anaconda in Gnadenhutten, and the former White Engines, Inc. in Canton from where he retired.As a young man, James was an archery enthusiast. He served as president of the Akoga Bowman Archery Club in Cuyahoga Falls, O. and enjoyed participating in the sport also.At the American Hard Rubber Company, James met and fell in love with his wife, the former Evelyn June Gracik, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage. Together for more than 35 years, they worked as advocates for the betterment of the mentally retarded. He served as the vice president and as a trustee for the former Applecreek Parents and Volunteers Association. James and Evelyn also shared many wonderful trips together, traveling to Arizona and New Mexico visiting reservations and mesas. James was a student of Southwestern Indian culture and had a passion for archaeology.He was gifted woodworking craftsman, creating beautiful handmade knives with carved Indian head handles out of a variety of different types of wood. He also was skilled at carving wood boxes and birds. His friends were the receivers of many of these pieces of art. With his hands, James also took great pride in restoring his 1936 Ford Phaeton automobile.Most importantly, James took great delight in taking his son, James Marshall, for rides throughout the New Philadelphia community. In addition to Evelyn, James will be greatly missed by his son, James Marshall Watkins of Cambridge Developmental Center in Cambridge, O.; his siblings, Charles Watkins of Wooster and Joy (Charles) Watkins of Tallmadge, O.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loving and caring neighbors, Gene and Susy Webster of New Philadelphia.Visitation will be held Monday, August 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again Tuesday, August 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating James’ life will immediately follow visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. with The Rev. Hugh B. Berry officiating. Following the service, burial will be held in Dover Burial Park at Dover where the V.F.W. will conduct military honors.The family requests memorial contributions in James’ memory be directed to Starlight Enterprise Workshop, 638 Commercial Avenue S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.