James Michael Watkins
The evening of July 22, 2024, Jim passed away suddenly from an aortic aneurysm. His strength, selflessness & humor were intact until the very last minutes before he was wheeled away for a surgery attempting to repair his heart.
Jim was born in St. Louis, MO on October 25, 1963 at St. John’s Hospital. He attended Parkway Central High School, in addition to earning many technical certifications. He was a black belt in Tae Kwan Do and played semi-pro football. Jim worked in the family’s auto repair & towing business for over 40 years, with AAA and most recently, was a valued team-member at All-American Towing. He was a highly skilled automotive technician and enjoyed his wrecker & recovery calls, and all the people he was able to help along the way.
Jim’s favorite passion was his motorcycles – riding and even building his own chopper.
Beyond all, Jim was a caretaker. He always saw the absolute best in everyone. He would give you his last dollar, his last minute… his last beer. The furry creatures were his soft spot… always taking in caring for animals in need, even if that meant doing without for himself.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Watkins Sr., brother Steven Watkins, his Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles.
Beloved son of Mother, Juanita Drion; Stepfather, Joseph Drion; Life Partner, Laurie Wingerter; Brother of Larry Watkins, Debby (Tom) Young, Sandi Hudgens, Linda (John) Webb, Steve (Linda) Drion, Laura Watkins, and Jodie (Greg) Tieber; Stepfather to Cody, Ryan (Chelsea) Wingerter; nephew of Paulette (Dave)Tucker, Bill Cambron & Rose Nichols; awesome Uncle, cousin, and dear friend to so many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
– Laurie’s Go Fund Me to help her support Jim’s pups https://gofund.me/57bf6bb9
– or to Stray Paws Rescue https://www.straypawsrescue.com/donate
Please take a minute to leave a memory or note here – your words will be a comfort and treasured forever.
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We are all devastated by Jim’s sudden passing. Please join his family, friends & his AAA family to honor him on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
Bring your tow trucks, recovery vehicles, police vehicles & of course, motorcycles, to a motorcade from Bobby’s Place to Clancy’s Irish Pub. If you are not part of the motorcade, please meet at Clancy’s at 1 PM to receive the procession or pay a visit anytime between 1 PM – 4:30 PM.
11:45 AM: Meet & organize for procession at Bobby’s Place: 108 Meramec Valley Plaza, Valley Park 63088
1 PM – 4:30 PM: Celebration of Life at Clancy’s Irish Pub: 40 Old State Road, Ellisville 63011. A special toast at 3:30 PM.
If you have any photos for a slideshow, please send them to 314.280.0586.
I know Jim was a very loving, kind and giving man . He was always ready to help others when needed. It takes an amazing person to be loved by so many family members and friends. God is definitely aware of what Jim did for the least of his brethren, he was doing for Him. He will be blessed for all of his caring deeds. 💔🙏🏻
Jim was one of my favorite cousins. Though he always looked tough with his motorcycles and jackets, his smile and kind nature revealed how special and unique he truly was. I am deeply saddened because I know the world lost one of the good ones when Jim left us unexpectedly.
He was truly one of a kind, my best friend, partner in crime and the absolute love of my life. I truly have lost the best part of my life. I will miss you forever and my heart will be broken for till we meet again my love, I’ll see you on the other side.
Jimmy was one of my favorite cousins. He was always so nice. He had the biggest heart. It’s true that he had a great sense of humor. He was great at putting up with his kid cousins with patience and kindness. Praying for your family.
Jimmy was my best friend and true brother. We rode many rides together. He was a soft hearted man. All of my kids called him Uncle Jimmy and he was always quick to lend a hand no matter who it was. You will always be missed and in our thoughts…. your brother Harlin
Jimmy was like an uncle to me! He watched me grow from 6 months old to now 30. I’m gonna miss him so much! I love you uncle jimmy! Ride high on that motorcycle in the sky!! 💓
💔 As his Mother, I am struggling to understand why this happened. I know God had a reason to take him home first, but it is hard to accept! We are a blended family of 7 siblings & Jim’s passing has left a huge void in our family! Taking comfort in the fact his worldly toils are over. He is no longer in pain & is at peace!
Ride high in the sky, Jimbo!
Love you forever,
Mom
I am so sorry for your loss Juanita and family. I loved Larry Jr and Jimmy. I would run into him a few times over the years. It was always great to see him. He was such a great person. Loved his animals. Had a heart of gold. I am so very sorry. You Larry Jr and family are in my prayers.
Fly Jimmy!
Annette
Jimmy was always a great person to be around and always helpful to those in need.I will miss him and always treasure the memories. See you again on the other side my friend.
You are loved and will be dearly missed. Thank you for welcoming me into your home when I needed a place and thank you for being my friend. One love
Growing up under the protective wing of my brother Jimmy, is a gift that I never took for granted, but it sure is an incredibly empty feeling to know he’s actually gone. There wasn’t one important life event that he wasn’t a part of. Not one time did I get myself into a mess, where he didn’t come to my rescue with a chuckle and “What’s up, Brat?” that made everything ok. He was Uncle Jim too – the fun and always happy, bad-ass biker with the best smile and the most giving spirit. He’d scoop up the kids & absolutely make their day!
He was selfless to a fault – – and I wonder if he really knew how many people loved him. My wish is that each of us think of his spirit when we are caught up in the day-to-day stressors, and adjust our actions & attitudes, knowing all of our time here is limited. His friends, family & all the creatures have another Angel to watch over us now.
Larry & I always joked that Jim would get a ticker-take parade from Mom whenever he came to family dinners… well, today he’ll got one. We love you & will miss you forever.
I couldn’t find the words but a friend from church came up with this and found it to be so beautiful.
Jimmy by Rufus Williams
In the life of Jimmy who was so dear to us,
If you could hear him now, would say, “Don’t create a fuss.”
Although I’ve left a big hole that won’t and can’t be filled,
Hey, I want to tell you all, just take a chill pill.
I know these things are often sad to see,
But then again, guys, don’t make a big fuss over me.
Just remember the days where my bike and I roamed free,
And the love of loyal dog which always brought me glee.
I want you guys to remember a truly fully know that I lived on healthy diet of all your loves life glow. So I bid you farewell, but this isn’t the end for me, I’ve just gone to a place to wait for you there where all is totally free.
Miss you little brother. Rest in peace.