James Watkins

JONESBORO, Ill. — James O. Watkins, 93, of Jonesboro died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Ill.

He was born Dec. 11, 1914, at Mill Creek, Ill., son of Charles and Ruth Lindsay Watkins. He and Mary Belle Beggs were married March 26, 1938.

Watkins was a heavy equipment operator and worked for the Union County Highway Department 39 years, retiring as a foreman. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was a member of International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 241 and Operating Engineers Local 318.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Carmella Kiefer of Belle Rive, Ill., Carolyn Brimm of Anna; a son, Jimmy Watkins of Jonesboro; two sisters, Faye Adams of Anna, Judy Hafford of Cairo, Ill.; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and five sisters.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time Saturday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with David Eidson officiating. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery.