Obituary for James Marvin Watkins
James Marvin Watkins was born August 24, 1947, in Bakersfield, California to Paul A. Watkins Sr. and Mary Helen Clark. He was the sixth of ten children. James attended Fremont Elementary and Lincoln Junior High. While at Lincoln Junior High, James held the record in the hop, skip, and jump (triple jump) and long jump. James graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1966.
James was inducted into the United States Army in 1967. He served in 3 years in the artillery unit. During the Vietnam War James was wounded in action. For his bravery, valor, and selflessness he received one of the highest honors “The Purple Heart”. After his honorable discharge, James found employment with The City of Bakersfield Parks and Recreation Department. He retired after providing 29 years of service.
In December 1975, James married Cassie Juanita Holt. To this union four children were born. Marcus Sr., Jermaine, Curtis, and Vanessa. Prior to this union James had one daughter Tiana Robertson. James was blessed with twenty-two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
James’s hobbies were weightlifting, working on cars, and raising Pit bulls. He could be seen speeding around in his Red 1962 Impala. James enjoyed hunting, rabbits, pheasant, and fishing. James’s talent in sports was passed down to his children and grandchildren who excelled in track and football. He could often be found sitting at the top of the bleachers with his snack bag, bake potato, or hot dog.
James was preceded in death by his father Elder Paul A. Watkins Sr., mother Mary Helen Watkins, brother Paul A. Watkins Jr, sister Minnie Watkins-Gadson, and brother Thomas A. Watkins Sr.
He leaves to Cherish his memory children Tiana Allen, of Fresno California, Marcus Watkins Sr., Jermaine Watkins (Eleshia), Curtis Watkins and Vanessa Watkins all of Bakersfield, California. Siblings Annie Coston, Mattie Parker, Reverend Richard (Kelly) Watkins, Brenda (Reverend Robert) Figures, Jerrel Watkins, and Eric Watkins all of Bakersfield, California. Twenty-two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
James was inducted into the United States Army in 1967. He served in 3 years in the artillery unit. During the Vietnam War James was wounded in action. For his bravery, valor, and selflessness he received one of the highest honors “The Purple Heart”. After his honorable discharge, James found employment with The City of Bakersfield Parks and Recreation Department. He retired after providing 29 years of service.
In December 1975, James married Cassie Juanita Holt. To this union four children were born. Marcus Sr., Jermaine, Curtis, and Vanessa. Prior to this union James had one daughter Tiana Robertson. James was blessed with twenty-two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
James’s hobbies were weightlifting, working on cars, and raising Pit bulls. He could be seen speeding around in his Red 1962 Impala. James enjoyed hunting, rabbits, pheasant, and fishing. James’s talent in sports was passed down to his children and grandchildren who excelled in track and football. He could often be found sitting at the top of the bleachers with his snack bag, bake potato, or hot dog.
James was preceded in death by his father Elder Paul A. Watkins Sr., mother Mary Helen Watkins, brother Paul A. Watkins Jr, sister Minnie Watkins-Gadson, and brother Thomas A. Watkins Sr.
He leaves to Cherish his memory children Tiana Allen, of Fresno California, Marcus Watkins Sr., Jermaine Watkins (Eleshia), Curtis Watkins and Vanessa Watkins all of Bakersfield, California. Siblings Annie Coston, Mattie Parker, Reverend Richard (Kelly) Watkins, Brenda (Reverend Robert) Figures, Jerrel Watkins, and Eric Watkins all of Bakersfield, California. Twenty-two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.