JAMES A. WATKINS, JR.

Minister James A. Watkins Jr. was promoted to glory on September 30, 2024. Born on June 11, 1957, he was the second eldest child of the late Drs. James and Viola (Addie) Watkins. A lifelong member of Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ, he served in numerous ministry roles, including as a minister and musician, playing the drums and notably the trumpet. He also chaired the building fund committee and embraced any task that needed attention.

Jimmy had a unique ability to uplift any room he entered. Known for his quick wit and humor, he loved to make people laugh with his jokes and “roasting sessions.” He graduated from Aliquippa High School, the Community College of Beaver County, andPoint Park University.

On a Thursday Night in June of 1979 during a revival at Faith Center COGIC, ran by his mother, Evangelist Viola Addie Watkins, there he met the Love of His Life, Brenda A. Thomas. They married after a Courtship of 9 years on Saturday, September 17, 1988, at the Northside Institutional COGIC. They didn't have any biological children but were blessed with 9 beautiful god-children. Who they love beyond the moon and stars.

With Jimmy being a big family man, he was known for his huge Labor Day Picnics at Brady Run Park, Renting out the Skating Rink in Ellwood City and the Bowling Alley in Baden for Private Parties for his Nieces and Nephews.

Jimmy, was an avid sports fan. He played baseball, basketball bowling football, and horseshoes. He also loved deep-sea fishing. He loved traveling and exploring the world. He has seen many destinations with Hawaii being one of his favorites.

Everyone knows, he love to sale. That he would pop that trunk in a minute and out came his famous Green Bags.

Jimmy was the founder and owner of J. W. FASHIONS, B. KOOL FROZEN DELITES, B. UNIQUE GIFTS and THE CARE BUDDIES. Which his wife has Vowed to keep his Legacy Alive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Angelique MarieWatkins and nephew Joel Watkins Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His Wife of 36 Uninterrupted Years, Brenda A. Watkins. His Siblings: Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor Roberta G. Watkins, First Lady Charisse Moreland (Bishop Marvin C. Moreland), Dorothy Gill (Elder Ronald Gill), Selenna Moreland (Scharon Moreland), Elder Joel Watkins (Evangelist Ane Watkins); in-laws, Elijah Thomas, III, Doreen Thomas (David Penn) Kelli Thomas, Carol and Jamil Jackson, Janet Mays, Diane Copeland, Dr. Sharon McDaniel, Aunts: Maternal, Evangelist Carol Freeman and Paternal, Evangelist Mary Grace Camsmith. Uncle: Paternal, Mr. Ronald Watkins.

God Children; Shawnte Hairston (Jason), Taylor McDaniel, Jaclyn Smith (Carlton) Vania McClendon, Eric Arrington, David Stallworth, Tauri and Xayvion Frederick, Jamal James Johnson. Special Love Ones Darryl and Linda Kimbrough, William and Marisha Shepherd,Minister Denise Taylor and Evangelist Traci Johnson, Elder Monty Lowe, Elder & Mrs. Anthony Barton, Lee Grace Jones all of his cousins and His Entire Church Family Deliverance Temple Ministries COGIC Special Dedication to the Staff of J. W. Fashions: Fern Porter, Lisa Strickland and Fraiser Moreland And Last But Definitely not least, ALL OF HIS NIECES AND NEPHEWS, GREAT NIECESAND NEPHEWS. PLEASE KNOW THAT UNCLE JIMMY LOVED YOU SOOO MUCH. HE WANT YOU TO ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER AND TO BE GREAT.

JIMMY'S LAST WORDS"I LOVE YOU ALL"