James Jim Melvin (Jim) Watkins Sr.

Mr. James Melvin (Jim) Watkins, Sr., 80, died peacefully Easter Sunday afternoon, April 4, 2010 at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Tuesday, April 6 at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Wright & Ferguson Cemetery.

Jim was born in Atlanta, GA on October 14, 1929 to L.M. Watkins and Mildred Watkins. He was a graduate of North Fulton High School and Georgia State University. Upon graduation, he served 5 years in the United States Navy. He then enjoyed a long, successful career in the commercial mortgage loan business with the Life of Georgia Company, Wortman and Mann, Unifirst, and Trustmark National Bank. After a short retirement, he sold real estate with Benchmark Realty then partnered with his best friend, Bob Patterson, forming Fed-South Mortgage in Jackson. In his lengthy career in business, he was a Senior Residential Appraiser, Certified Review Appraiser, and an approved Appraiser and Underwriter for the Federal National Mortgage Association. He was a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, Jackson Homebuilders, Realtors, and Mortgage Lenders Association, where he served as Past Director.

Jim loved life and lived it to the fullest always offering kind words of encouragement to those around him. He was an avid golfer, hunter and loved airplanes and vintage Mustangs. He was a proud member of the Jackson Masonic Lodge, Whisper Lake Country Club and Patrick Farms Golf Club. Undoubtedly, his greatest joy in life was following the careers of his three sons, Jim Jr., Randy and Wes, and spending time with his 5 grandchildren. As a young man, he always dreamed of being either a pilot or golf pro. Amazingly, two of his sons are career pilots and one is a golf pro! His ability to encourage others to pursue a career with passion, hard work, and joy is a testament to his character.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, L.M. Watkins and mother, Mildred Watkins, both of Atlanta, Georgia. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Rainwater and brother, Jerry Watkins, both of Atlanta, Georgia; his three sons, Jim Jr. and his wife Carmen of Nesbit, MS; Randy and his wife Carol of Madison, MS; Wes and his wife Dana of Brandon, MS; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Morgan Watkins, Carley Elizabeth Watkins, Thomas Randolph Watkins, Jr., Zachary David Watkins and Stacy Virginia Watkins; 5 nieces and 1 nephew.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Rainwater, Bob Patterson, Larry Bradley, Gary Owens, David Thames, and Dr. Ed Draper (Honorary).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Lodge Jackson, 1072 J.R. Lynch St., Jackson MS 39215 or the Mississippi Junior Golf Foundation, 400 Clubhouse Dr., Jackson, MS 39208.

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