James B. Watkins

James “Jimmy” Benjamin Watkins, 86, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, passed peacefully into eternal life on December 31, 2025, with his nieces beside him. Born on January 18, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, he was the son of the late James Benjamin Watkins (1941) and Sue Trotter Watkins (1992). Jimmy graduated from Columbia High School on June 6, 1958, and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina on May 31, 1963. A proud Gamecock, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his team, faithfully watching games on television throughout his life. Beginning in 1953 and continuing through part of his college years, Jimmy delivered The State-Record Newspaper. He often spoke fondly of those mornings spent riding his bicycle, making sure his customers received the printed news at their doorsteps. After college, he worked briefly for Palmetto State Life Insurance before beginning what would become a 35-year career as a Tax Examiner for the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Jimmy retired on August 31, 2001. For most of his life, Jimmy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where he attended services regularly and participated in the singles group. After moving to Moncks Corner, he was delighted to discover that he could continue worshiping with his church family by watching the televised 10:00 a.m. service each Sunday. Even without a Sunday bulletin in hand, Jimmy continued his lifelong habit of taking notes, always with his trusty clipboard and recycled paper. In February of 1979, Jimmy and his mother, Sue, opened their hearts and home to his sister’s daughters, Shannondoah and Brandy. Overnight, Jimmy became a father, having had no experience in this role at all. Because his mother never drove, the responsibility fell largely to him, chauffeuring the girls to and from school, doctor’s appointments, church, and countless after-school activities. With patience, devotion, and love, he filled a role he had never expected, shaping not only their lives but the generations that followed. Jimmy is survived by his nieces, Shannondoah (Charles Stephen Deaver, Jr.) Deaver and Brandy (Kevin James Page) Page. He was a proud and devoted grand-uncle to Susannah Grace Deaver, Savannah Jacqueline Deaver, Charles “Tradd” Stephen Deaver III, Lexi Shanell Page, Madison Renae Page, and Haily Suzanne Page. He was preceded in death by his father, James Benjamin Watkins (1941); his mother, Sue Trotter Watkins (1992); and his sister, Suzanne Watkins McManus (October 23, 1999). Jimmy will be remembered for his deep faith, love of sweets, handwritten notes, love of football, sense of humor, quiet strength, and will to live. His gentle laugh, tenacious spirit, and unwavering love will be missed. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life, and Jimmy’s remains will be laid to rest beside his mother in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charleston, the American Red Cross, or Lutheran Hospice Charleston. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Lutheran Hospice for their exceptional care. In addition, for their compassion and devotion, the family is deeply grateful for the private care provided by Anne Ersland, Renee White, Brooklyn White, and Bertha Green Simmons.