James Allen Watkins

James Allen Watkins passed away. Monday the 6th of January in Washington, Utah. He was born on January 20, 1941, in Gallop, New Mexico to Theatta Irene Fry and Wayne Allen Watkins. He was the middle child with an older Sister Charlene and a younger sister Linda Gayle. At the age of one the family moved to California. He grew up in Lomita on a small farm and graduated in 1959. 

His favorite thing to do was work with his Dad. His Dad taught him how to work hard and serve other people at a very young age and that dedication to service was apart of his life until his very last day. He loved all machines and equipment. He started working for his Dad and at the age of 16 he joined the Operating Engineers Local #12 and was still a member at his death. After school he worked full time for various equipment rental companies. He liked the variety of jobs and being able to operate different equipment. He was drafted into the Vietnam War and was part of the Army Corp of Engineers in 1965. After the war he decided he needed to serve a mission and served in the Eastern Canadian mission. 

After completing his mission he returned home and married Deanna Bynum in the Oakland Temple on August 17 1968. They bought a home in Torrance, California. While there they had three children. James Robert who died only thirty minutes after he was born, James Russell, then Lance Allen. They decided to leave Southern California and head north to Visalia, California where they resided for 13 years. While there they had three more children: Wayne Randolph, Julie Ellen, and Thomas Benjamin. 

In 1994 they made their final move to St. George Utah. He worked for several companies in St George until he finally retired at the age of 72. He’d still be working to this day if his body was still strong enough.

He was an active member in the church his whole life. He served in the Bishopric seven times as 1st and 2nd counselor and also as executive secretary. He went on three missions – Canada for two years, a two year stake mission, and an 18 month senior mission with his wife in 2006 to Pennsylvania. 

He enjoyed being a Grandpa and spending time with them whether it was going on vacation with them, sharing ice cream and treats, or lovingly teasing. Grandpa was always fun to be around.

He is survived by his eternal companion Deanna, sons James and Lance and also daughter Julie (Bryan) Winder. His memory will always be in the hearts of his 8 grandchildren, Remy, Gabby, Logan, Kimber, Jaxton, Brexen, Kaika, Harley and his 2 Great grandchildren Ollie, and Eleanor. He is preceded in death by his first born son James Robert, son Wayne Randolph and youngest son Thomas Benjamin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 am at the LDS Church located on 1950 N. Coral Canyon Blvd. in Washington, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 am, prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Washington City Cemetery located at 300 Park View Drive in Washington, Utah.