James HL Watkins

The ladies of the Evergreen Republican Women's Club and I, personally, were shocked and saddened to hear of James' passing. He was a kind and brilliant young man who will be sorely missed by all who were touched by his positive energy, enthusiasm and concern for our community and country.

We pray that his family will find comfort and peace in the knowledge that he made a difference.

We first met James staring at a mountain of shipping containers as he and Ashley´ were set to begin their new life in Tampa. Little did Beth and I realize how special our bond as friends would become. We connected on so many levels...our shared business experiences, trading home improvement horror stories and his unique solutions, differentiating one fine Kentucky bourbon from another, stories of their varied lives from growing up as an army brat in Japan where he made "brothers", not just friends for life, politics of which we were like mind, religion, travel, music, cars and comparing our favorites, cycling and the intricacies of bike building, nights around the fire pit enjoying dessert with a nightcap. We feel privileged to have been able to call him our friend.

here's a glimpse of James' sterling character: he and I met during one of his runs for public office. I did some locational data analysis for him. He went on to create data analysis tools for other candidates, and we talked about that and he paved the way for many of us there; but the nicest thing he did was he asked the HR person from a company he worked for, to cold-call me and interview me for possible employment. James had way overestimated my skill level, but still this illustrated how he cared for his friends, not justs close friends but even casual friends.

James and Ashley prepared our daughter Cora for her first communion. James always went above and beyond to ensure the kids were engaged and interested during Sunday class. He researched and showed the kids videos that always taught good lessons. He also made sure they got the best snacks and those kids looked forward to their class each Sunday. We consider ourselves very lucky to have had James be part of Cora's religious formation and be a role model for her. Our most sincere condolences to Ashley and her family.

Our family remembers you and we value all your dedication in the classroom with the children at St Paul. You were always so kind to our daughter Victoria and we feel fortunate that she had the opportunity to have you and Ashley as her teachers.

I first met young Jim at age 5. He was all of 3-years old at the time. And somehow, along with Julian; the "3-J´s", created a bond that lasted well over 60+ years. Even when we were oceans or continents away. We ALWAYS kept in touch. He was our 3rd brother. And when we met; we hung out, chatted, joked, debated and sometimes bickered more like siblings, than friends. Our last summit together was in San Sebastián, Spain in July 2022. What an amazing time we had together enjoying live Jazz music, as well as wine and tapas. I had never seen Jim and Julian so engaged, happy and...so "chilled", together during that time. We were already discussing our next venture in 2025 together....... He will always be in my thoughts. I miss and love you. Instead of saying goodbye. Let´s just say; I´ll see you on the flip side brother.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss Jim always.

Watching my mom and dad love each other has always been a deep blessing. Their devotion, their patience and compromise... they were great teachers. They had what everyone wants, and what I hope my brother and I have with our spouses one day.