James Fredrick Watkins was born on July 5, 1945, in Prague, and departed this life on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 71.

James, the son of Lee Roy and Effie Nye Harwell Watkins, was a resident of Prague.

He was a 1963 graduate of Prague High School.

James proudly served in the United States Navy with the Seabeas.

He married Elizabeth “Bethie” Walters on January 4, 1964 in Prague.

James dearly loved his grandchildren and he never missed any of their events.

He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Blue Lodge.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing. James never missed an opportunity to watch his son, Rafe, coach football.

His parents, brother, Weldon Watkins, brother and sister-in-law, Don and Grace Watkins, father-in-law, Edwin Walters and mother-in-law, Gail Walters preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Bethie” Watkins of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Rafe and Karen Watkins of Muskogee; grandson, Hunter Watkins of Muskogee; granddaughter, Ashley Watkins of Alva; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Lavon Coomer of Prague; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Jane Watkins of Choctaw and Max and JoAnn Watkins of Meeker; sister-in-law, Rose Watkins; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Tom and Joan Walters of Prague, Sam and Sandra Hodges of Prague and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The Watkins family will receive friends on Friday, July 15, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Prague with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating.

Interment will follow at Prague Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.