To the Watkins family:  My thoughts and prayers are with you  all and your parents.  The Admiral and Sheila were incredible people who touched the world in so many positive ways.  May God bless  you and keep you.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

To all the Watkins children- Your Dad was an amazing man who I will always renember fondly from visits in Pasadena with my mom and dad.We shared so many laughs over the years in Pasadena with both James and your mom .Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Love from Lindsay Morse Bennett

Dear Laura Jo and siblings: My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Both your parents were delightful people and it was my pleasure to get to know them however briefly. Take comfort in knowing that they did God's most important work: instilling a foundation of love, justice and compassion in all their beautiful children, thereby making the world a better place. They will always be there for you. Much love, JK

Our deepest sympathy to the Watkins Family.  I was a young Chief Petty Officer when I first met the Admiral, and followed him through his tour at BUPERS, and then finally as CNO.  He was a very compassionate man, lived to his Catholic Faith, and never lost his ideals as an outstanding Naval Officer and man.  God Bless him for his work, and know he is at peace, and probably heading up another position up there.  NCCM(SW) Thomas J. and Karen Snee, Burke, VA

Your devotion to improving the education of our young people has made the difference in the lives of many thousands.  The National Science Bowl and the National Ocean Sciences Bowl  are just two of your legacies.  You never let the artificial boundaries of your official positions stop you from doing what you felt was right.

Richard E. Stephens (Albuquerque, NM)

We were very sad to hear about your father. Even though we did not know him, your life we believe is an example of him. Our Family will continue to pray for you and your family

As both a shipmate and the Executive Officer of USS Long Beach (CGN-9) in the late 60s your leadership had a profound and positive impact on my life.  I will be forever in your debt. May you rest in peace!

Dear Family of Admiral Watkins,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tme of sorrow.  We have wonderful memories to treasure of our time with him when he was CINCPACFLT and through his successful CNO years.  Being his PAO was always an adventure in learning.  We have lost a true leader.

The true Easter has now come for Admiral Watkins.  As St Augustine said, "For we are Easter people and Alleluia is our song."  My prayers are with you James, Jr. and your family.

Thank you Secretary Watkins for what you did for the Department and for the country. Your leadership on AIDS and in  addressing this nation's nuclear legacy will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

OBITUARY

James Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) David Watkins

March 7, 1927 – July 26, 2012

Demaine Funeral Home

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