Community Cares Jim Watkins

Former crew member and friend, Jim Watkins peacefully left us early this morning (December 27, 2003) after a two year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Jim expressed in his own way that he just wanted everyone to be happy, enjoy life and not dwell on his personal fight the past years. But that was hard to do as many friends like Becky McBride, Ron Overman, Ron Esau and Sheri Ackerman-Hurst plus others checked in regularly on Jim and his family. Jim celebrated a very nice Christmas Day at his parent's home (Rita and Jim) with his sister (Lisa) and her family, but most importantly his two children, Canton and Tajha were here for the holidays as well. The Lakeside, CA resident since 1975 celebrated his 38th birthday on December 5th and was diagnosed in October 2001 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Jim Watkins had been a crew member for a handful of Southern California NASCAR race teams and when not racing you would find Jim with a fishing pole in hand. Jim had been a tournament team member of San Diego BASSMASTERS, fishing in US BASS and WON BASS divisions for more than five years. Jim was a plumber by trade and always lent a hand to anyone in need. Jim's sister, Lisa Watkins-Hollingsworth, Becky McBride and Debbie Clark just completed the 2nd Annual Jim Watkins-CNS (Center for Neurologic Study) Charity Golf Tournament at Singing Hills at Sycuan on December 5th which raises funds each year for the local research center, CNS located in La Jolla, CA. This year's tournament was so important for everyone, including Stu Peace fellow Cajon Speedway car owner attended after losing his dwellings in the recent California FireStorm in October. The tournament featured 18 rounds of golf in a scramble format, awards for Closest-to-the-Pin, Longest Drive, Winning Team, Putting Contest and Silent Auction and Luncheon. Several local race cars have even been on display with the racers swinging their clubs to benefit CNS. The Center for Neurologic Study (CNS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and treatment of neurological diseases was founded in 1979 with the intent of helping patients and families who have been affected by presently incurable neurologic diseases such as ALS, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and Alzheimers. Jim Watkins was fortunate to be a patient of Dr. Richard Smith. For more information on the study, research and background of CNS and ALS, check out website www.cnsonline.org. The mission of CNS is to find a cure for, and improve the living with ALS, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and Alzheimers. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks the motor neurons. The illness slowly paralyzes the muscles while leaving the mind unaffected. Adult men and women from all ethic backgrounds, age groups and walks of life are vulnerable to ALS, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and Alzheimers. In October Jim, his family and friends participated in the 2nd Annual 5K Greater San Diego Chapter of ALSA Walk to D'Feet ALS which as a team raised over $3700. Prior to this year's walk, TEAM JIM'S JAMMERS was selected as the spotlight team for their outstanding contributions, dedication and participation in their ongoing efforts for ALS. Services are pending and information will be updated as available. If anyone has photos of Jim at an event like racing or fishing or a favorite family photo, please make a copy and send them to PO BOX 2118, LAKESIDE, CA 92040. Cards for Jim's family may also be forwarded.

Prayers and Support For Jim Watkins

• Becky McBride
  The Month of December is filled with lot's of memories from Jimmy getting the news of this disease to the time left, to Golf Tournaments, Christmas Light with the kid's in the Limo to walks on the Beach. It has been 7 years since we said goodbye. Thoughts of you everyday, reminders constant. So proud to know you and Love you.
• GILBERT CONTRERAS
  I know it has been sometime since Jim's passing , and we all know he is looking down at us all , from his Family and Friends. Rest assured he is happy with what he sees!
• Lisa Watkins-Hollingsworth
  Thank you from the bottom of my heart to ALL of Jim's friends who kept him updated on his passion, racing. THANK YOU to Becky Mc Bride and Sheri Ackerman-Hurst for never giving up on him! You are one of the biggest reasons he fought so hard against this horrible disease. He is deeply missed. But, we know God only takes the good ones. I know he is OK now! His children have a guardian angel on their shoulder! He will always be in our hearts! THANK YOU AGAIN!
• Kim and Tarah
  Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Watkins family and circle of friends. Jimmy was truly an inspiration to us all. We are blessed to have known him.
• Performance Motorsports GN West#77
  To the Watkins Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Our team kept abreast of Jim's valiant fight through our good friend Becky. Sounds like that race team in heaven is getting one heck of a new member.
• Chris Walker
  My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sadness. Although I have never met Jim or his family, I feel as though I know you all, as Becky is my friend/roomy on the West series. She Loves you all dearly and any friend of her's is a friend on mine!!! Jim's life will inspire us all to be better people, as he is smiling down on each and every person who was blessed to know and Love him... May God Bless.....everyone!!
• Marguerite and Pat Lally
  We know that you'll be watching all of the races from above. Enjoy!! You are a true inspiration to all of us.
• Stu Peace
  Jim, as you know we lost the #7 Sportsman in the San Diego fires. Although it is not as "BEST APPEARING" as your #2 I am sure you will still enjoy turning some laps in it up there. Just one favor, please don't use it as a bass boat, it does not float for sh!!. Your GREATNESS will always be with us.
• Don Tatman
  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family during this difficult time.
• Clean Line Motorsports-The Whitt Family
  Jim will be greatly missed in the racing world. He will be watching us from above. Our deepest sympathy to his family and Becky and the many others who were always there for him. You are his angels. You are in our prayers. God bless
• Bill Hall
  Our thoughts & prayers go out to family & friends.
• Hellmund Family
  Jim was truly a great person! You will be missed by so many...which is a tribute to you and the effect you had on so many of us. May God bless you and your family! Besides being a great father and friend to many, what a great guy to have in your corner at the race track. We'll all have many fond memories.
• Vidovich Racing
  Rest in Peace, our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
• Becky McBride
  Thank You, to all our friends and family that have supported us during these past 2 years. This web-site was how Jim was able to keep track of all the racer's while at home fighting this disease.Thank you to Debbie Clark for always being our voice when we need to tell you all something important.When we start this next race season I know Jim will be watching over us in our travels and at Cajon Speedway he will forever be our hero for never complaining or asking why.His children will miss him dearly, but they have peace knowing he is no longer a prisoner to his illness.We are taking bets as to which was first... bench racing or bass fishing?? any taker's??? Gray Thunder Racing, Ron Esau Racing, Tavo & Amy Hellmund and all our friends we will celebrate Jim's life because he gave us so much. Love, Becky
• Brent
  We will all miss you alot Jim may you rest in peace!
• Darrell LaMoure
  Jim’s life is an inspiration to all of us, we will miss him.
• Fowler Motorsports
  You will still be in our hearts! Our prayers are with you all! Greg & Michelle Fowler #71 SWT
• M J Trottochau
  Lately, I think the phrase"The Lord works in mysterious ways" has been over used. I feel the Lord needs good help, and Jim, along with others, are the best on Earth at whatever Life dealt them. He has taken Jim for a far more important task, but I am sure Jim will get weekends off for racing and fishing-God Bless
• Al (Spotter9)
  May Jim rest in Peace!

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