James Thomas Watkins

James Thomas Watkins, affectionately known as “Ricky” confessed Christ at an early age and his love for the Lord guided him throughout his life. He consistently tried to lead others including strangers to Christ. Ricky was known for his loving heart, generous spirit and his love for his family. The best testament of his life was seen in the outpouring love of those who got to know the “real” Ricky Watkins. Today is a celebration of his home-going, where he is undoubtedly resting in the arms of Jesus.

Ricky was born in Gallatin, TN on July 7, 1955 to the proud parents of Jessie and Nevada Watkins; he was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Gallatin High School in 1974 where he was a drummer in the high school band. His talent and love for music led him to perform with many traveling bands as a drummer and bass guitar player. He spoke passionately about his journey with the Coolistics and his desire to “just make music”!

In 1976, Ricky married Priscilla Gayle Harris and they migrated to California in 1981where he became a dedicated member of the City of Lakewood Irrigation team. Unto this union two children were born; Tanyita (Tang) Knasha and Ricardo (Rico) DeWayne. Ricky LOVED his family; Tang was definitely a Daddy’s girl. He was her heart and invincible to her. Dad taught Rico the value of an education by showing him the “ORANGE” shirt and asking him if he wanted to wear it one day.

Ricky loved his children; but his grandchildren were his heartbeat. Tyiona Destiny (TT) his first grandchild who he spoiled royally. Reagan Grace was the first official Camp Watkins participant; she reaped the benefits of having Poppie all to herself. Cameron David was the first grandson and he spoiled Poppie! Ryland, Blake and Raihana filled Poppie’s heart with joy!

He generously spoiled his grandchildren especially the oldest, TT. When TT would walk down the stairs at home, he would sing “Miss America” and she would walk down like she was the “queen”. As his health declined, TT would help with “Poppie’s” care. He loved his “me” time with TT. It was well-known that when Poppie was watching TT play basketball, there was an automatic “NO NOT DISTURB” sign!

Poppie was an active participate in Camp Watkins, he would take the grandkids to the “parks”. It was thought he was taking them to local parks; however, he would travel nearly an hour to give them different park experiences, many of which he helped create in the City of Lakewood. When he became ill we visited every park in Lakewood and reminisced about the good times. He would tell stories, laugh infectiously, and smile showing ALL his teeth! It is this smile and his love for the family that will truly be missed.

Poppie’s youngest grandson and his name sake, Ryland James, was born during the pandemic. Unfortunately, he did not get the opportunity to spoil him as he did the others. However, Baby Ry became attached to Poppie via face-time. Ry would run around the room singing Poppie, Poppie, Poppie! Poppie’s face would light-up as he sang with Baby Ry. When they finally met, he was so excited, even though he could not take him to the park or lift him to the sky. He was happy just having him around.

Blake and Raihana were unable to attend Camp Watkins during the summer. Blake always wanted to come to CA to visit Poppie. She would speak to him via face-time and always tell him that she was coming to CA to visit him. Now, she must listen to stories about Poppie and how he loved her unconditionally.

Ricky’s last 43 days of life were spent at the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA. He was never left alone, his children, grandchildren and wife made sure there was always someone there 24/7 to advocate for him. This time together was so precious. We laughed, talked, cried, sang and prayed together. He even danced from his bed! We told him we loved him at least 50 times a day. He was such a loving man and he loved his family more than anything, except for God.

Ricky pulled each and every one of us, on separate occasions, individually to his chest, other times he pulled all of us together. He would lay our heads on his chest and pat us on our backs. He put his arms around us and told us that he LOVED us, while wiping away our tears. He told us if God took him tomorrow; it would be ok because he knew where he was going.

Many times Psalms 27:1-3 was quoted to Ricky. “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear. The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. When my enemies came upon me, they stumbled and fell.” After he took his last breath, with tears in my eyes, I sang “Let the Church say Amen; Let the Church say Amen.” “God has spoken let the church say AMEN!”