James Hawkins, Sr.

James F. Hawkins, Sr. completed his life's journey and graduated from his temporal earthly realm to the eternal heavenly realm Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his home in Otsego. He was born in Kalamazoo on January 30, 1935 the son of Hayward and Vera (Knapp) Hawkins. Jim was a 1954 State High graduate and had been a 4 year letterman in football, 3 year letterman in track and had been a member of the all city football team all 4 years. He had worked for KVP for 15 years and Fisher Body/GM for 30 years retiring in 1995. Jim was an avid fisherman and in his spare time enjoyed going to antique car shows, attending southern gospel conventions, working in his vegetable garden and tinkering in his garage. His greatest joy was talking with people about his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He attended the First Baptist Church of Otsego. On June 20, 1957 in Plainwell at the United Methodist Church he married Charlene DeKam who survives. Also surviving are his children, Jim Jr. (Esther) Hawkins of Vicksburg, Matt (Darcy) Hawkins of Dorr and Jackie (Ric) Wiseley of Gobles; 5 grandchildren, Nancy Thompson, Jason Ainsworth and Lizzie, Abbi and Gabbie Hawkins; 7 great-grandchildren and his step-siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Betty Phillips and Dick Hawkins and his step-mother. Jim is wearing his graduation robe as he sings with those that have gone on before and worships his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Friends may visit with Jim's family from 6-8pm on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A funeral service will be held at 11am, on Friday, January 26, 2018, at the First Baptist Church of Otsego with Pastor Paul Laborde officiating. Burial will take place at West Cooper Cemetery in Cooper Township. Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the First Baptist Church of Otsego, Wings of Hope Hospice or to the American Heart Association.