Obituary of James E Watkins, Jr.

Watkins, James E. Jr. age 80 of Franklin Lakes passed away with his family at his side Thursday, December 3, 2015. Born in Newark, New York, Jim was an Army veteran who served from 1958-1960. Before his retirement he was the Superintendent of Roads and Parks for the Borough of Franklin Lakes for many years. He was a member of the Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Dept. Surviving is his loving wife of 58 years, Mabel Ann (nee Vander Laan) Watkins of Franklin Lakes, his two daughters, Barbara Doka and her husband Kenneth; Dorothy Depies and her husband John and his cherished granddaughter Jessica Doka. Also surviving is his sister Doris Gillow. He was predeceased by his brother William Watkins. Visiting, Sunday 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. Funeral Service Monday 11 am at the funeral home followed by the burial in Ponds Reformed Church Cemetery, Oakland, NJ. In Lieu of flowers donations to Franklin Lakes United Methodist Church, 454 Pulis Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417; Franklin Lakes Ambulance Corp. PO Box 302, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417; or Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, 480 De Korte Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 would be appreciated.