James Ernest Watkins, Iii

May 29, 1980 - April 1, 2015

James Watkins, a veteran Lymphoma warrior was taken in his prime after an intense and brutal fight with cancer and complications of treatment. He is survived by his mother and father, Arlene and Jim Watkins, his sister Jennifer Riley, and his beloved niece and nephew, his fiancé Lacey Rickert, and countless family and friends. He lives on in the music he made while he was here. While his absence is most noted in our local music community, his life was not lost in vain. James contributed to breakthrough cancer research for Lymphoma treatment when he sought out a new drug from the Mayo Clinic in February. Because of what his KU & Mayo doctors learned from his response to their treatment of his unique and aggressive cancer, we can all rest assured that the next person diagnosed with this terrible disease may not have to experience chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplants or the physical and emotional scars created by the current standard therapies. His struggle has made a difference. His legacy will be the personal sacrifices he made to ensure other lives aren't ruined by Lymphoma. There are 3 things James asked for, to honor him:

Services for James will be held at Cedar Ridge Christian Church, 8835 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66219 with visitation Monday, April 6th at 1:30pm and funeral services at 3:00pm. Burial in the Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or support his band by investing in their success. Follow his band, The Problems at www.mikeborgia.com or donate to LLS in James' honor at http://pages.teamintraining.org/mid/ambbr15/mreynolds