HAWKINS, JAMES A., 88, of Belmont, MA and formerly of Ocean Springs, MS and Coventry, passed away at home on Monday, November 29, 2021. He was the husband of the late Nancy (Sims) Hawkins; and later, the companion of the late Helen DeFosse. Born in Johnston, RI, he was a son of the late William and Gladys (Grenier) Hawkins.

James graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1951. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, under the GI Bill, he received a degree from Bryant College. James was a sales representative in the building supply industry for many years before retiring from the National Lumber Co. He was an active member of the Coventry-West Greenwich Elks, the Tri-City Elks Lodge in Warwick, where he had been Secretary, and the Ocean Springs Elks Lodge.  He and Helen, a past Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks, enjoyed attending national conventions across the country.  They devoted countless hours to preparing meals for Lodge events and organizing community service initiatives.

He was the father of James P. Hawkins, Esq. (Mary) of Belmont, MA, Kenneth W. Hawkins (Janine Vannini) of Coventry, Lori L. Danna (Keith) of Chaplin, CT and the late Jeffrey T. Hawkins. James was the brother of Raymond Hawkins, Thomas Hawkins, and the late Richard Hawkins and Barbara Shields. He is also survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be Friday morning, December 3, 2021 from 9:30 am - 11:30 am with a Service at 11:30 am in the Iannotti Funeral at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (Rte.3) Coventry. Interment with military honors in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. iannottifh.com [iannottifh.com]