Jim Watkins

Jim Watkins
September 28, 2021
Pasco, Washington - At 89 years old, Jimmie (Jim) Watkins passed away peacefully on September 28 after a year-long battle with cancer. Jim was born in Seiling, OK to Gracie and Walter Watkins. Jim was brought up in the depression-era living in Oklahoma and later moved to Redondo Beach, CA, where he graduated from high school. While on leave from serving the Army in Korea in 1955, Jim married Wanda Smalley. Together they shared 59 happy years together until her death in 2014. Jim had such a love for adventure! During his working years, you would find him on weekends camping, water skiing, snow skiing, biking and enjoying the outdoors. After his retirement, Jim traveled extensively to many parts of the world with only a backpack or bicycle. When Wanda retired, they lived in a motorhome for 18 months traveling across the US and then adventured to other countries. Jim was never one to stay still and was involved in many outdoor clubs. In 2003, he formed the Fun Fit and Over Fifty club which still exists today when he noticed that the local community was in need of an outdoor recreation club for active seniors.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, two brothers, his sister and his great-granddaughter Haley. He is survived by his two children: Sheryl (& Mark) Rogers and Mark (& Lara) Watkins. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill and Richard, and many loving friends and relatives. Jim will be missed by his grandchildren (David, Bryan, Kevin, Devon, Lauren, Kyle, Nick) and great- grandchildren (Ryan, Sage, Dawson, Kaleb, Kaitlyn, Leeann, Logan, Brooklyn, Jayce), who all held a special place in his heart.
Jim lived a long and fulfilling life, sharing his laughter and friendly personality with all he met. He was a good father, grandfather and great grandfather. Our hearts are sad but we know he's no longer in pain.