James R. Hawkins

On Nov. 14, 2015, at 12:15 p.m. James R. Hawkins passed away.

On April 18, 1940, Hawkins was born to Rector and Thelma Ann (Dame) Hawkins near Sesser, Ill. He was raised in southern Illinois and graduated in 1958 from Benton Community High School. He was raised on a farm and continued his farming career at Old Ben Coal. In 1980, he moved to Green River where he continued his career working in the trona mines at Tenneco Minerals which later became Solvay Minerals. He retired from Solvay in February 2004 due to Parkinson's Disease.

In 1956 he began dating the love of his life, Leona Dennis.

In 1961 they were united in marriage in Sesser, Ill. To this union three children were born.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years. He is also survived by one son James of Colorado, two daughters; Denise (Don) Roahrig of Elko, Nev. and Deborah Church of Casper. He is survived by eight grandchildren, James (Heather) Hawkins of Rock Springs, Amanda (Carl) Lemmon of Green River, Robert (Rachel) Hawkins of Green River, Frank Patrick and Jared Olguin both of Casper, Matthew (Mary) Church of Cheyenne, Rebecca Mason and Sonya Roahrig, both of Elko, Nev .; sixteen great grandchildren and one sister, Ramona Carney of Crane, Mo .; one nephew Josh (Rebekah) Carney of Denton, Texas and several cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in law Herbert and Myrtie Dennis, one granddaughter Jessica, daughter-in-law Betty Hawkins, his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, at Fox Funeral Home in Rock Springs. Rev. Michael Davis of Sulphur Springs, Texas will officiate. There will be an inurnment at River View Cemetery in Green River immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions in James's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.

To leave a special message for James's family, please visit http://www.NewcomerCasper.com.