James Patrick Watkins' Obituary
James Patrick Watkins age 85 of Algonac, MI. passed away peacefully at the Medilodge of St. Clair. He was born January 11, 1936 in Port Huron, MI. to the late Thomas A. and Margaret (McCullough) Watkins.
James was an engineer most of his life working in military weapons and artillery, and for a short time lived in California working for Hughes Tool Co., and for RCA. He returned to Michigan in 1969 and worked for Vought Aerospace, and retired from General Dynamics.
He enjoyed visiting the Salt Flats in Utah, where he was proud to be on a team that held a land speed record for a gas-powered Mustang for 5 years. He loved the water and lived most of his life in the area.
Mr. Watkins is survived by his children Mary Jo Amey, Thomas (Cindy) Watkins of Algonac, Jim (Annette) Watkins of Warrenton, VA., Patti Kock Ogallala of NE., and Aaron Shaun (Judi) Watkins of Port Huron, grandchildren Damon (Melissa) Amey, Julie (Chris) Wahl, Nicholas (Marranda) LaDue, Thomas (Jeanne) Watkins Jr., Abu-Abdullah Caldwell, Chandra Caldwell, Adam (Christine) Watkins, Adam (Sharon) Carroll, Brandon Carroll, Kyle Carr, Tre Watkins, Ambreanna Bristol, Jaime (Andy) Lee, Rachel Watkins, and Michael Watkins, great grandchildren Brett, Chad, Conner, Sophia, Lila, Lincoln, Atlas, Austin, Serenity, Kyle, Joshua, Logan, Gavin, Tyshelle, Anthony, Miah, Jenna, Abdullah, and Ahmed, also survived by 3 step children and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Brona Lee Watkins, a son Michael Watkins, a daughter Deborah Watkins, and a grandson Jonathon LaDue.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac.
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