James Pascal Watkins

James Pascal Watkins a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, died February 17, 2012, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at age 92. He was born in Dixon, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Richards Watkins, his son James P. Watkins, Jr., his parents Angus Watkins and Emma White Watkins, his brother Troy Watkins and sisters Allie Davis and Angeline Watkins. He is survived by his daughter Marylyn Anne West and husband John West, his grandson and wife David J. and Roxana West, great grandchildren Ian West and Erin West, sister June Bond, sister- in- law Doris Watkins and “little sister” niece Nelda Clark Saliba and numerous other much loved nieces, grand nieces, great grand nieces and great - great grand nieces, nephews, grand nephews and great grandnephews. He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard having joined in September of 1939. He served with distinction in North Atlantic convey duty both prior and during World War II on the cutter USCG Tampa and in the Pacific on the attack transport USS Hunter Liggett. After the war, as a civilian he continued his distinguished service to his country at the United States Naval Base in Gulfport, Mississippi. He rose through a variety of key roles at that facility including that of MCD, Public Works Director and had a strong role in establishing the Gulfport base as one of the key U.S. SeaBee facilities. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 11:00 A.M. at BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOME, 15452 O’Neal Road, Gulfport. Visitation Wednesday, February 22, 2012, from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to: First in Asia Fund, P. O. Box 33944, Fort Lewis, WA 98433. View and sign the register book at www.brandfordokeefe.com