James "Jim" Watkins Obituary (1945 - 2022)

James "Jim" M. Watkins, 77, of Lincoln, IL, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. Jim was born on March 22, 1945, in Springfield, IL, the son of Nelson and Flossie (Magee) Watkins. He married Cheryl Bohnenstiehl on February 10, 1968, in Staunton, IL. She preceded him in death on August 19, 2018. He is survived by his children, Laurie (Doug) Routson of Lincoln, IL, and Kevin (Melissa) Watkins of Springfield, IL; his siblings, Rosemary, Nancy, and Robert "Bob"; his grandchildren, Darrin, Nick, Conner, Shelbi, and Morgan; one great-grandchild; and two step great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his siblings, Ruth and Thomas. Jim proudly served his country during The Vietnam War in The United States Marine Corps. Upon his return from the armed forces, he worked as a supervisor at Lehn & Fink. He later graduated from Robert Morris College with a degree in Information Technologies. With that degree he secured employment with The Attorney General's Office with The State of Illinois. Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini Basketball fan. He enjoyed spending time with his kids as their baseball coach, softball coach, and Cub Scout Leader. Jim was a member of Lincoln American Legion Post #263 and enjoyed teaching country line dancing, and performing as a DJ at Country Junction in Lincoln. A memorial gathering for Jim will take place from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln. Military rites will take place at 4:00pm on Friday just prior to the memorial gathering. Memorial Donations may be made in Jim's name to Humane Society of Logan County, The American Cancer Society, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.