James Stevenson Watkins “Steve”

James Stevenson Watkins of Daphne AL, born October 28th, 1946, died September 12th, 2026. He was the son of James Alvin Watkins and Mary Verna Whitley Watkins. Best known by Steve (or Daddy/Poppy, he was born in Fayette, Alabama. In 1969, he joined the Army National guard, serving until 1971.

On March 8th 1969, he and his life-time love, Janis, wed in Mobile, AL. Shortly afterward they moved to Daphne. There, they welcomed their daughter, Wendy, then a few years later, their son Christopher. He worked for the Alabama Department of Transportation for forty years before retiring. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and watching Alabama football. In his youth, he loved hunting with his Uncle and cousins as well as riding his motorcycle. Later, he loved fixing and driving fast cars, and fishing with his son. He enjoyed playing pool and cards with his wife and brothers in law, hosting pool parties during the summer, grilling with his son-in-law Jason, and visiting the mountains in the fall. He especially loved spending time with his 'girls' - taking walks on the pier, telling stories of grandeur, and his favorite activity, going to get cookies and cream ice cream with them.

He was preceded in death by his son Christopher, his parents, his sisters Gale Thompson and Rita Davis, and beloved dog, Boomer. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Janis Kay Watkins, daughter Wendy Newell and son-in-law Jason Newell, two granddaughters, Kayla Newell and Emma Newell, brother-in-law David Rossmanith and sister-in-law Patty Rossmanith, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

His service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Mobile, AL, on Monday, September 21st. The visitation will be at 11:00 am, Service at 12:00 pm, followed by grave-side burial at Jubilee Memorial Gardens in Daphne.