James Michael Watkins

James Michael Watkins was born September 27, 1990 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the son of Michael Watkins and Jamie McMannes.

James met his life partner, Keely Franklin, in May of 2020. Their partnership was filled with the deepest love, laughs, and adventures. From traveling to Finland, to horseback riding, to creating art, they did it all together.

James was an incredibly inquisitive and analytical intellectual who had a love of learning. He knew about everything and always had new knowledge to share. His passion for music, animals, and nature reigned supreme. He was a phenomenal cook, had unparalleled style, and possessed the dedication and tenacity to excel at everything he did.

James had a heart of gold and treated loved ones and strangers alike with pure compassion and selflessness. His calling was to connect to and help people in any way he could. He regaled everyone with his unbeatable sense of humor and brought light to everybody’s life.

James was truly one of a kind with the most beautiful soul. He will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him, and his impact on this world won’t go unnoticed.

Preceded in death by sister Jessica Watkins; grandfathers Keith McMannes and Leo Watkins; cousins Brandon Phoenix McMannes and Elizabeth Shepard.

James is survived by spouse, Keely Franklin; mother, Jamie McMannes; father, Michael Watkins; sister, Damaris Rachel Watkins ; brother, Sherman Watkins; niece, Elizabeth Durham; nephew, Josiah Murrell Watkins; grandparents, Lynda McMannes, Cindy (Mark) Anderson; aunts and uncles, Rebecca (Greg) McMannes-Wells, Brian (Sharon) Zuckerberg-McMannes, Lindsay (Gary) Watkins, Janie (Will) Watkins, Cody (Jaqueline) Watkins; cousins, Christian (Kellee) Beane, Mikaila (Andrew) Stanley, Matthew Greene, Sabrina (Peyton) Bolick, Desa (Zack) Crews, Shyanne (Warren) Wells, Adrienne Tipton, Philip Zucker, Vanessa Page, Abraham Tipton and Trevor Tipton.

There are tentative plans for a celebration of life on September 27, 2025 in Greensboro, North Carolina.