Obituary of James P. Watkins

James P. “Jim” Watkins, 54, died Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at his home in Orrington, Maine. Jim was born March 1, 1967, in Lancaster, NH, to John “Jack” Philip Watkins and Anna Rae (Sawyer) Watkins, but moved to the Bangor area in 1972 and was a lifelong resident. Over the years, Jim collected a wide range of friends, all of whom were instantly family. He rode motocross, played hockey, and was good with a wrench. Jim liked to be on the move. He was the owner of Pine Tree Landscaping and took great pride in a perfectly striped lawn and a well-plowed driveway.  The most important thing to Jim was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and was ecstatic about becoming a new grandfather in May. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Tina (Stacey) Watkins of Orrington; children, Emily Watkins and her boyfriend Trevor Palmer, and their son Wesley James Palmer, all of Hampden and Jack Watkins of Orrington and girlfriend Lilly Blakeman of Brewer; Brianna Grindle Gomez and husband, Steve of San Diego, Calif. and Cassidy Grindle of Bangor; a sister, Wendy Watkins of Bangor; his parents-in-law, Dick and Sue Stacey of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Bangor; and several four-legged companions: Bruce, Moose, Skylar, and Spencer. He was predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 386 Brewer Lake Road in Orrington on Friday, July 2, with a gathering from 1-8 p.m. to be followed by a bonfire. An informal memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. The family encourages donations to the Pixel Fund Pet Rescue, 11 Abbys Way, Orrington, ME 04474, or online  at https://www.thepixelfund.org/donate Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. Messages and memories may be shared with Jim’s family at kileyandfoley.com.