Jack Watkins, age 77, of Newton, IL, passed away on March 13, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.
Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup is assisting the family.
Jack was born May 27, 1946, to Paul and Audrey (Hill) Watkins. Jack was a lifelong resident of Jasper County, IL.
In 1965, Jack was drafted into the U. S. Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Army recognized Jack for his honorable service with a Purple Heart. Jack did not speak much of his time in Vietnam but was proud of his service to the United States of America.
After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Jack married Janice Cisney on June 28, 1969. The couple had two children.
Passionate about firearms and firearm education, Jack owned and operated a firearm business, 4J Gun Shop, for several years while also working in the maintenance department for the Jasper County school system for 30 plus years. After closing 4J Gun Shop, Jack continued to work as a maintenance worker for the school system until his retirement.
Jack could often be found in his workshop. A talented craftsman, Jack enjoyed woodwork, metalwork, and painting.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Watkins and Audrey (Hill) Watkins; his sister and brother-in-law, Paula Jewell and husband Bill, brother, Timothy Watkins; and his sister-in-law, Phyllis (McCoy) Watkins; sister-in-law Mary Jane (Bill) Lewis; brothers-in-law Vernon Cisney, and Bill Beauchamp.
He is survived by his wife, Janice (Cisney) Watkins; children, Jesse Watkins and wife Ellen of Toledo, OH and Jami Smith and husband Jerry of Yale, IL; grandchildren, Harley Watkins of Newton, IL, Cassandra Dickey and partner Kaushik Ponnapalli of Houston, TX, and Billy Watkins and partner Deanna Troilo of Newton, IL, sisters, Pam Beauchamp of Evansville, IN, Ann Derosier and husband Don of Concord, NH, Becky Kistner and husband Dave of Newton, IL; brother, David Watkins of Webb City, MO; and sister-in-law Cammy Watkins.
Memorials can be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support: P.O Box 333 Newton IL. 62448. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com.
