Mr. James William “Jim” Watkins, Sr., age 77, of Brandenburg, KY, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Brandenburg.  Jim was born May 24, 1947, the son of William Dennis and Mary Catherine (Perry) Watkins.  Jim was a long time truck driver for Trimac Transportation, retiring in 2015 after over 40 years of service.  He drove over 4.5 million miles throughout his career.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Julia and Charles Reesor; and his brother-in-law, Buddy Reesor.  He is survived by his loving wife, Leona Reesor Watkins; his son, James Watkins and his wife, Anna; his daughter, Wendy Wright and her husband, Phillip; six grandchildren, Amanda (Cody) Dye, Hunter Watkins, Jesse (Emalee) Montgomery, Zach Watkins, Bryson Wright, and Sidney Wright; four great grandchildren, Greyson Dye, and Natalie, Dawson, and Emma Watkins; two sisters, Gail Baylor, and Bonita Smith; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Bethel Methodist Church, with Rev. Dan Paddack and Brother Gary Benham officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.   Pallbearers will be Jesse Montgomery, John Montgomery, Zach Watkins, Cody Dye, Phillip Wright, and Lawrence Lewis.  Honorary pallbearers will be Hunter Watkins, Bryson Wright, Greyson Dye, Bob Reichmuth, Aubrey Smith, and Tim Bennett.  A special honorary pallbearer will be Troy Jones.  Visitation will be held at Hager Funeral Home from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, and at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Monday.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association; or to the American Diabetes Association.