James "Jim" Donald Hawkins Sr.

James “Jim” Donald Hawkins March 11, 1929 - March 26, 2019 Jim Hawkins 90 a retired self-employed business man of Tallahassee, FL died March 26th at Tallahassee Memorial after an auto accident and brief illness. A service will be held Monday, April 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located 3717 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL. Visitation will precede the service at 12:00 p.m., followed by interment at MeadowWood Memorial Park on Timberlane Road. In 1949 Jim joined the United States Air Force and became a navigator. He flew 50 missions (in 84 days) in a B26 during the Korean War and received the “Distinguished Flying Cross” and “The Metal with (3) Oak Leaf Clusters.” He resigned the US Air Force in 1955 as a Lieutenant to pursue his Tallahassee business Career. Jim was born March 11th, 1929 in Odenville, AL., to parents, Coy and Ethel Hawkins. He was predeceased by his parents, son male infant Hawkins, daughter “Julie” Hawkins Neville and son “Jimmy” (James Donald Hawkins JR.), and granddaughter “Sarah Jane Neville.” Survivors include, his wife “Peggy MacRaye Hawkins”, (2) grandsons “Daniel Ryan Taylor”, and “Andrew Neville”, and (4) great grandchildren. He was a loving spouse, father, and collector of antiques, “Jim” will be remembered by his family and many friends for all his unforgettable attributes. Our Holy Scriptures gives us knowledge that each of us are Heavenly Fathers children and would one day be given a rest from our earthly mortal duties. James Donald Hawkins Sr. received this promise and expired on March 26, 2019. He was born of wonderful parents to Coy Hawkins and Ethel Bradshaw Hawkins at Odenville, Alabama on March 11, 1929. He was raised with his only brother, Coy Hawkins Jr., and graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL. There was also a friend at the high school that James often spoke of, simply known as “Bobby Bowden”. After graduating high school, James became known as “Jim” while attending the University of Alabama before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated 2nd Lt from Officer’s Training School and Navigation school. Upon graduation Jim was sent as a navigator to the Korean conflict to fly B26’s in combat tour. He flew 18 day missions from Japan and was later moved to Pusan, Korea. From Korea, he flew 32 night missions for a total of 50 missions in 84 days. James was awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross”, and “The Air Metal with (3) Oak Leaf Clusters. Jim’s new assignment was with Strategic Air Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, LA., flying a B29 bomber. He enjoyed telling about the trip from Barksdale to French Morocco in North Africa. On the return trip the B29 burned in Bermuda, therefore lending a free week’s vacation at Elbow Beach, Bermuda. After returning to Barksdale, Jim went to Sacramento, California to attend a 1037, (Navigation, Radar, Bombardier) school for a triple rating. He was then stationed in Columbus, Ohio and flew B47’s back to French Morocco. Jim served approximately six years in the U.S. Air Force. In 1955, Jim went to work for his parents and was working for them when, daughter “Julie” and son “Jimmy” were born. Five years later, 1960, Jim bought his own liquor business and operated it until 1973 when he retired, and golfing, traveling, and computers were a great part of his life for years. Jim was forever helping his wife “Peggy Hawkins” find beautiful antiques and looking after family members. He was engaged in family scripture study and genealogy work. Jim spent many hours with Peggy preparing the lessons for the youth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Missionaries were often served in Jim’s home, (along with much teasing). He also accepted a calling in the Church to help with the Boy Scouts of America and worked in Family History. Jim loved his family and friends. He also had a testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. His prayers were of “Thanks” and a belief that families could be together forever. He visited many Church Temple sites and sat patiently on Temple grounds for hours waiting on family work to be done inside. We loved Jim and will miss him greatly. He was a wonderful man on a mission to enjoy his family and friends. His legacy of “Caring” will be remembered in our hearts forever. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home 9850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

James "Jim" Donald Hawkins Sr.

March 11, 1929 - March 26, 2019