James Orvil Watkins, 69, of Jacksonville passed away on September 12, 2021. He was born January 21, 1952 in Belvidere, Illinois to the late William Orvil and Delores (Beck) Watkins. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of forty-three years, Chong Pang Watkins; sister, Dee Anna Oliver; and brother, Larry Watkins.

James retired from the United States Air Force in 1990. He proudly served his country in this capacity for 18 years and 10 months as a Fire Protection Specialist. He received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons: Air Force commendation Medal; Air Force achievement medal; Air Force overseas short tour ribbon with three bronze oak leaf clusters; Air Force outstanding unit award with one bronze oak leaf cluster; and Air Force good conduct medal with two bronze leaf oak clusters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sisters, Carolyn Fults, Tammy Vasquez, Cindy Watkins, and June Mitchell; his nieces, Dottie Collura, Theresa West, Stephanie Sears, Ame Brown, June Tucker, and Tina Mathenia; and nephew, Larry Oliver II.

Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021 at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.