James Stephen Hawkins
James Stephen Hawkins, 70, of Greer (MSgt USAF Retired), passed away September 20, 2017 at Greenville Memorial Hospital after a long battle with heart disease.
Jimmy is survived by Marcia, his wife of 40 years (Rexton, NB Canada), two daughters, CMSgt Angela Hawkins Gagliano (Kirtland AFB, NM), and Amanda Hawkins, Wichita, KS, one stepson, Jade Boucher (Royal Canadian Air Force, Victoria, BC, Canada), one sister, Lisa Hawkins Lynn (Greer), four grandchildren, Alec, Gabrielle, Brittany, and Shayna, and one little great-grandson, Kaiser. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Bonnard and Bobbie Wood Hawkins.
Jim served in the USAF for 20 years, and continued to serve our veterans through the Greer DAV Chapter 39. He was also a contractor for GE for 30 years which allowed him to travel the world. His passion in life was to learn something new every day and enjoy life to the fullest. He was always available to anyone in need whether it be a shoulder to lean on or a computer crisis, he was there at a moment’s notice. He was a giver, never a taker, and was selfless to the very end. There was never a pretentious side to Jim – how lucky we all are to have had him in our lives even for such a short time. He loved experiencing new cuisine, gardening, traveling, bowling, his band radios, his English and Australian programs, and car racing. But most of all, he cherished and was totally dedicated to his family, his wonderful friends, and his pets (our babies).
He always said: “You will be judged by the quality of friends that you have and, in the end, all that matters is that you have left a little something of yourself that is true and good.” He kept his positive attitude until the very end. His wit, charm, kindness, and sense of humor will live on forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greer DAV Chapter 39, 210 Pelham Street, Greer, SC 29651, or to the American Heart Association.
Burial services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017 with full military honors at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetary in Anderson.
