James Leroy “Jim” Watkins, 79, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 11:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2014, at his home.

He was born on Sept. 30, 1934 in Leesburg, Ind., to George I. and Mary I. (Hapner) Watkins.

He graduated in 1952 from Leesburg High School and lived most of his life in the Kosciusko County area. He was U.S. Army Veteran and on Oct. 6, 1956, in North Webster, Ind., he married Lois A. Funderburg who survives.

He retired in 1994 as a rural route carrier for the United States Post Office in Leesburg, Ind., after 24 years. 

He attended the United Methodist Church in Leesburg. He was a member of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association; life member of the National Rifle Association; former member and past president of the Oswego Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife: Lois Watkins, Warsaw; a sister: Peggy Jean (Lowell) Welty, Milford, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Donald Watkins.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Owen Family Funeral Home, SR. 13 and CR 500 North, North Webster. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Jesse Beer, former minister of the Apostolic Christian Church in Milford, and Rev. Mark Wagoner, nephew and pastor of the First Church of God in Neon, Ky., officiating. Burial will follow in Leesburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Leesburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 175, Leesburg, IN 46538.