James R. Watkins

James R. Watkins, Jr was born on Sept 18, 1945 in Greenwood, MS to Needa Mae (Ezell) Watkins and James Watkins, Sr. He graduated from Threadgill High School in 1965 before joining the US Navy serving 6 years aboard the USS Intrepid and in the Vietnam War. His service spanned the globe from Florida, California, Philippines, Portugal, Germany, and beyond. After service he settled in Boston, MA and met and married Theresa Washington and had 3 children, Heather, Nikia, and Jason. After divorcing in 1990 he did not remarry. He remained in Boston until passing away on Friday August 16th from natural causes.
His employment experience includes Boston Parks & Recreation, USAirways where he was Ramp Supervisor for 35 years before retiring in 2008. He also was well known in his side hustle as DJ "Black Ghost" for Lane's Lounge back in mid '70's and early '80's. He was charming, quick-witted, comical, laid-back and lighthearted, had an infectious smile, and seldom complained much. He enjoyed reading, watching game shows, westerns and classic movies into the wee hours, attending family events, chatting with small children, feeding the birds, and conversing with neighbors who stopped at windowsill he often occupied with a smile and good word. His favorite sports teams were New York Yankees (boooo) and Green Bay Packers, and during football season he'd often be animated belting out "The PACK is back, the PACK is back."  
He is preceded in death by aforementioned mother, father, and brother, Timothy Charles Ezell. He leaves previously mentioned 3 children, 6 grandchildren, Nikisa, Tyrel, Janiya, Jason Jr, Jaliyah, Jahmari, siblings, Eloise, Anneeda, Letha, Doris, Sheron, Marvin, Theresa, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends. He will be greatly missed. 
 

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