James Joseph Watkins

James Joseph Watkins, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 25 with his wife, Kim, holding his hand. Always smiling and unfailingly positive, Jim was known for his compassion, loyalty, leadership, and genuine kindness to everyone he met.

Jim proudly served his country for 27 years on active duty in the United States Army. He spent the first twelve years of his military career in the Infantry before transitioning to the Finance Corps, where he rose through the ranks to retire as the Commandant of the United States Army Finance School and Chief of the Finance Corps. His leadership, integrity, and dedication to soldiers defined his military career and left a lasting impact on all who served alongside him.

His commitment to service continued beyond his retirement from active duty. He served as Chief Financial Officer for the Dominican Sisters of Peace before being called back to government service at the Pentagon, where he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Operations (DASA-FO). After retiring from civil service, Jim accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer at Georgia Military College where he continued to inspire, develop and grow those around him, always giving selflessly.

Jim and his beloved wife of 32 years, Kim, retired to Wilmington, North Carolina, where they built a joyful life together. He loved traveling, taking long walks with Kim, playing golf, and enjoying card games—especially poker and booray. He was active in his community, serving on the board of his neighborhood HOA, and was a former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Bailey Watkins; his daughter Shannon Horton (David); his son Jackson Watkins (Danyelle); his treasured granddaughters, Emily Horace and Paige Horton; his siblings David Watkins (Debbie), Mary Louise Dill (Marvin), Marla Clifton (Lloyd), Michael Watkins (Karen), and Joe L. Watkins (Alecia); Douglas Vance (Gina) and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joann Rachelle; his son, Andrew Watkins; and his siblings Barbara Andrychowski, Sharon Spraggins, Cecile Yinger, Mark Watkins, and Elizabeth Blazer.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Columbus, OH. A funeral mass and interment will be held on June 27, 2026, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, at a location and time to be determined.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, faith, and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GMC Watkins Family Scholarship or to Lower Cape Fear Life Care (hospice).

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