James R. Watkins
1934-2016
BOLIVAR -- James R. Watkins, 81, of 212 Olive Street passed away Friday August 26, 2016, at home,
following a lengthy illness. Born December 9, 1934 in Blossburg, PA, he was the son of Benjamin and Ida
Hazlett Watkins. Jim married the former Grace W. Ives on June 25, 1955 in Elkland, PA; Mrs. Watkins
preceded him in death on February 18, 2010.
He was a 1952 graduate of the Elkland Joint High School. Jim went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree
in Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in 1956, then and a Master’s Degree in
Education and Elementary Administration from SUNY Fredonia. Jim started his teaching career at
Bolivar Central School as a 6th grade teacher for nine years. He went on to be the elementary principal
at Oswayo Valley School District for one year. In 1966, Jim became Principal at Allentown, Scio, and
Belmont Elementary Schools. In 1972 he became the Elementary Principal at Scio Central School,
retiring in 1995. Jim was active in the community. His memberships include the Bolivar United
Methodist Church, Scio Lions Club, member and past master of the Macedonia Lodge 258 F &AM
Bolivar, New York State Retired Teachers Association, IAABO Basketball Officials Association of Allegany
County, Allegany County Umpires Association, Allegany County Soccer Officials Association, and a
former trustee of the Village of Bolivar. Mr. Watkins officiated soccer, basketball, and baseball in
Allegany County for many years.
Surviving are one son, Hugh (Nonie) Watkins, Rapid City SD; Three daughters, Rhonda (Richard) Roberts,
Cuba; Debra (Darryl) Kloth, Jacksonville, FL; Debra Roe (Tommy) McDaniel, Middleburg, FL. Also
surviving are four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition
to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Watkins, and sister, Sylvia Dawn
Hendershot.
Friends may call at the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 4-7
PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from the funeral home at 2 PM; Mr.
Watkins son-in-law, Rev. Richard Roberts, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar.
Memorials may be made to the Scio Lions Club, c/o Joe Nickerson, 4266 West Nickerson Dr., Scio, NY
14880 or to the Pioneer Oil Museum of New York, PO Box 332, Bolivar, NY 14715.
Schaffner Funeral Home
