James R. Hawkins

On November 14, 2015 at 12:15 p.m. Heaven gained an amazing angel. On April 18, 1940 James R. Hawkins was born to Rector and Thelma Ann (Dame) Hawkins near Sesser, Illinois. 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, Wyoming 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.

In 1956 he began dating the love of his life, Leona Dennis. In 1961 they were united in marriage in Sesser, Illinois. To this union three children were born. When he passed away a big piece of Leona's heart went with him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years. One son James of Colorado, 2 daughters; Denise (Don) Roahrig of Elko, NV and Deborah Church of Casper, WY. Additionally he is survived by 8 grandchildren, James (Heather) Hawkins of Rock Springs, WY, Amanda (Carl) LemMon of Green River, WY, Robert (Rachel) Hawkins of Green River, WY, Frank Patrick and Jared Olguin both of Casper, WY, Matthew (Mary) Church of Cheyenne, WY, Rebecca Mason and Sonya Roahrig both of Elko, NV, sixteen great grandchildren and one sister, Ramona Carney of Crane, MO, one daughter in law Cheryl Greene of Greybull, WY, one nephew Josh (Rebekah) Carney of Denton, TX 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, November 19, 2015 at the Fox Funeral Home in Rock Springs. Rev. Michael Davis of Sulphur Springs, TX will officiate. There will be an inurnment at the River View Cemetery in Green River immediately following the service.

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

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