James William Watkins Jr.

James "Jim" Watkins of Portland passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Jim was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and attended the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Design from the School of Architecture. Following graduation, Jim lived in Atlanta, GA, Asheville, NC and then in Greenville, SC where he enjoyed a successful career in commercial interior design. In recent years, Jim joined his sister Betsy in Portland, OR, which prompted a change of career, serving adults with disabilities for Alternative Services Oregon, Inc. Jim loved and valued this work, regarding his clients with the compassion and kindness for which he was known.

Jim loved art and design and had a fondness for travel that included trips to beaches and to the mountains. A deeply kind soul with an independent spirit, Jim was a talented cook, had a smart sense of humor and was, above all, a loving, supportive and non-judgmental friend. Jim is survived by his parents, James William Watkins "Bill" and Ruth Howland Watkins, of Gainesville, GA; sister Polly Dean (Ed) of Marietta, GA; nieces Sydney, Chelle, and Erin; sister Betsy Watkins (Erin) of Portland; extended family and a multitude of friends. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Jim Watkins, Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 P.M. at Zeller Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home, 2107 NE Broadway Street, Portland, Oregon. (503) 287-1155.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jim's name to Alternative Services Oregon, Inc. – http://asioregon.org/donations.php