Dr. James G. Hawkins was born the fourth child of six children to Oscar and Annie Hawkins on January 23, 1924 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

His parents and siblings preceded him in death.

His early education came from the public-school system in Raleigh NC culminating with his graduation from Washington High School as Valedictorian. After a brief tenure at Shaw University, he was drafted into the US Army where he served with the 92nd Infantry Division in Italy. He served as Chief Computer in the 597th Field Artillery Battalion.

In this position he had to use his mathematical ability and a slide rule to serve as “a computer”. Upon discharge from the Army, he entered Howard University in the Fall of 1946.

He graduated Cum Laude in 1949, with a BS, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Math. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College in 1953. From 1953 – 1998, he practiced dentistry in Eastern Arkansas with the majority of his time being spent serving the community of West Memphis Arkansas.

As a leader in his profession, he was a member of the American Dental Association, National Dental Association where he served in the House of Delegates, Associate Member of the Chicago Dental Society, Past Member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Past President of the Arkansas Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association and others. His commitment to the community was exemplified by his being one of the Founders and Charter Board Members of the Wonder City Boys Club in West Memphis, and Life Member of the NAACP. He was also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He joined the Delta Chapter in 1951 and was Life Member. No. 804.

He remained an active member until death.

He has been an active member of Parkway Gardens Presbyterian Church since 1964 having served as deacon, elder, building committee member, and past chairman of the commitment committee which was his favorite committee where he served for many years.

Dr. James Hawkins transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 30, 2020. He is survived by Angie, his wife of 56 years, daughters Gladys Barnett (Leon), Romona Miller (Alvin), and Audrey Michelle Davis; Grandchildren Anthony, Crystal, Scott, Ariel, Jenny, Lauryn, and Courtney; Great-Grandchildren Anthony Jr. and Kinley; Sister-in-laws Esther Haywood and Omega Reed; dear niece Barbara McClure; and a host of loving family and friends.

God saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb So He gently closed your weary eyes and whispered, “Peace Be Thine”.

The viewing will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at R S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 2944 Walnut Grove, due to the Covid-19 stipulations. We can only allow ten people in the building at a time for viewing.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 PM on Wednesday May 6 at R S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home located at 2944 Walnut Grove due to the COVID-19 stipulations we can only allow 30 to attend.

We can only allow 30 for the funeral service, however you can go to our website and view the service at www.rslewisandsonsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to St Jude Children’s Hospital or Meharry Medical College.