CSM (Ret) James Michael Hawkins

James Michael Hawkins was born October 7, 1943 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He passed away Friday, October 18, 2019 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville having attained the age of 76 years. In 1961, James entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1991. He had attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major with the 136th Engineering Brigade and earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: National Defense Service Medal - 2, Army Service Ribbon, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Service Medal - 4, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medal - 1, Army Commendation Medal - 4, Overseas Service Ribbon - 5, Meritorious Service Medal - 4, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon - 5, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal - 9, Sharpshooter Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle, and Bronze Star Medal. While serving in the military, James met Sun Im Pak and they were united in marriage on February 2, 1968 in Incheon, Korea. They shared over 51 years of marriage together and were blessed with two sons: James and John “Danny”. After retiring from the military, James began working for the State of Missouri at the Division of Employment Security and retired after several years of faithful service. In his spare time, James enjoyed watching and attending any level of baseball games. He was also an adventurous man and enjoyed spelunking. He was a member of the VFW. Most importantly, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. James will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Sun Im Hawkins of St. Robert, MO; two sons: James Hawkins of Killeen, TX and John “Danny” Hawkins (Laura) of New Bloomfield, MO; four grandchildren: Isaiah Hawkins of San Antonio, TX, Tija Hawkins of San Antonio, TX, Joe Garwood (Kayla) of Millersburg, MO and Lydia Garwood of Jefferson City, MO; one great grandchild: Alaina Garwood of Millersburg, MO; three brothers: Charles Hawkins (Brenda) of Forest Hills, MD, Junior Brown of Baltimore, MD and David Brown of the state of Florida; two sisters: Mary Dryden of Baltimore, MD and Libby Sen of Baltimore, MD; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. James is preceded in death by his mother: Jessie Elizabeth Putnam; stepfather: Henry Brown; and two brothers: Eric and John Hawkins. Graveside services with military honors were held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2019 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with Chaplain (CPT) Father Christopher Dorsey officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of CSM (Ret) James Hawkins and may be left at the funeral home.

CSM (Ret) James Michael Hawkins

October 7, 1943 - October 18, 2019