Patty Jean James, age 71, a longtime resident of Harrison and Valley Springs, and lately of Monett, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, surrounded by family members.

The youngest child of Reuel and Etta Mae (Renfroe) Watkins was born on March 19, 1953 in Harrison, Arkansas.

Patty loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She enjoyed fishing and hiking with her sister.  Some of their happiest adventures were the years they spent working together for the National Park Service at Grand Teton National Park.  Patty always enjoyed the annual camping trip with her brothers and sister (and in-laws) near Snowball, Arkansas.  After retirement, Patty took up quilting and made quilts for family members and donations to charities.  Patty had a kind heart and made many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; her parents; and grandparents.  Although Patty and Keith were married a short time, they were devoted to each other.

Survivors include her two sons, James R. Massardo (and wife, Jody), of Monett, MO, and Jonathan L. Eddings (and wife, Shruthila), of Chattanooga, TN; four grandchildren, Ashton, Allison, Autumn, and Andrew, of Monett, MO; two brothers, Larry Watkins (Roxann), of Monett, MO, and Robert Watkins (Diana), of Harrison, AR; one sister, Dola Berg (Tom), of Bellefonte, AR; and her favorite Uncle JR Renfroe (Alice), of Harrison.

She will be dearly missed by family and many friends.

Memorial service is Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison at 10:00 AM.  Rev. Woody Daniels will officiate.

Interment will take place at a later date with her husband, Keith, at the Veterans Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a veteran's organization of your choice.