James Edward Watkins was born on October 30, 1918 in Roselle, New Jersey son of Mary Emily Williams Watkins and Samuel Alexander Watkins. He was educated in the Roselle Public School System and graduated from Abraham Clark High School. Mr. Watkins served his country in the Headquarters Battery 333rd Field Artillery Group during World War II and was honorably discharged as a First Sergeant in the United States Army. He was the recipient of Five Battle Stars and of the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. “Eddie”, as he was affectionately known, retired as a Patrolman from the Roselle Police Department after 25 years of dedicated service. It was very important to him to live his life as an example for the young men in the community that he served. Known by the young people as “Pop Watkins”, he was friendly and well-liked by all. He was a member of PBA Local #99, Acacia Lodge #23 – F & AM and was a former member of Second Baptist Church all in Roselle. He was also a member of the Kinsmen of Union County, New Jersey. “Eddie” was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Armogene “Jean” Morrison and this union was blessed with six children, Eugene, Jack, Pierre, Jon, June and Mildred. When “Jean” predeceased him in 1986, he became both father and mother to his children. A duty that he willingly and lovingly embraced to the best of his ability. He loved to travel, work on cars and was a master of crossword puzzles. James Edward Watkins departed this life on Friday, October 7, 2011 at his home at the age of 92. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean Morrison Watkins; a son, Jack Watkins; 3 brothers, Lester “Tony”, Ellis and Howard “Bebe” Watkins and a sister, Mildred Watkins. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, June and Mildred, Eugene, Pierre (Robin) and Jon Watkins all of Roselle, NJ; 14 grandchildren, Wendy, Austin and Pierre Watkins, Jr., Donna Pierce, Jerome, Andre, Samantha and Donna Mitchell, Marcia DuPre, Edward, Jon, Jr. and Jennifer Watkins and Gabriel and Elijah Wilson; 15 great grandchildren; 2 nieces, Sheila Holmes of Indiana and Kim Figueroa of California and a cousin, Charles Martin of Maplewood, NJ. He also leaves Jerome Davis, Bobby Blue and Marva Watkins whom he had great affection for and a host of other relatives and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of James Edward Watkins. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.