J.D. as he liked to be called began life on July 26, 1953, He was welcomed by his parents W.H. (Bub) and Loretta C. (Gaddes) Watkins of Ringling Oklahoma.

J.D. attended school in Wilson, Healdton, Kingfisher, and graduated in 1972 from Dover High school in Dover, Oklahoma.  J.D. was married to Sybil Bailey and to this union, one son, James Daniel, was born. They made their home east of Chester, Oklahoma.

J.D. worked for various oil companies as a roughneck and driller. He rode a few broncos in small local rodeos. He drove a truck cross-country, going to the east and west coast. He loved seeing the country. He lived for a while in North Carolina, to be close to a younger sister and her family before returning back to the Chester area.

J.D. loved his nieces and nephews and loved to go fishing with them.

Preceding him in death are his parents Bub and Loretta Watkins, and both sets of grandparents. Also preceding him are brother-in-law, Randy Tomberlin; and several uncles and aunts.

J.D. is survived by brothers Rick Walkins and Mike Watkins; sisters Vicki Meacham and husband Greg, Cindy Tomberlin, Nancy Huffine and husband Bill, and Tamara Drake and husband Robert; and his son Jimmy.

J.D. will be interred at Chester Cemetery, Chester, Oklahoma, on March 22, 2025.  There will be a small family graveside service followed by a meal at the Chester Community Building in Chester from 11:00 AM until 2:00 p.m.  Friends of J.D.'s are welcome to attend and share all your stories and memories.