James Boyd Hawkins, 83, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 7:36 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2017 at his residence.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL. Burial will follow in the Tuscola Township Cemetery with military graveside rites accorded.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2017 at the funeral home.

Boyd was born on October 1, 1934 in Willow Grove, TN, the son of Allie and Gazelle McClusky Hawkins. He married Marjorie A. Grove on September 25, 1959 in Mt. Vernon, IL. She survives.

Also surviving is his daughter: Donna (Gary) Fry of Oakwood, IL, son: Steve (Linda) Hawkins of Wheaton, IL, grandchildren: Amanda (Dan) Derrick, James R. Hawkins, Joseph Jessee, Jordan Hawkins and Hailey Hawkins, great-grandchildren: Paighton Derrick and Nicholas Jessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son: Richard "Rich" Hawkins, brother: Kenneth Hawkins and sister: Deane Pike.

Boyd worked as a chemical operator for 36 years and retired from USI-Quantum Chemical Company, Tuscola, IL in 1996. He served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the Tuscola First Christian Church.

In his later years, Boyd lost his eyesight and was fond of listening to Brian Barnhart on the radio broadcasting Illini sports and he was a St. Louis Cardinal fan. His favorite past time was purchasing new cars.

Boyd was a devoted husband and father. He was blessed not only with a loving family, but also many wonderful friends. He adored being a part of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's lives.

Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com