James L. Jay Hawkins, 55, husband of Tammie (Brown) Hawkins of 1961 Union Church Road, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017 after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer.
Jay was born on September 16, 1961 in Staunton, Virginia, a son of Mary Jo (Ralston) Hawkins and the late Bert Hawkins.
Jay was employed by Troyer Cheese Company as a Sales Representative. He was a 1984 Virginia Tech graduate and an avid Hokie fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends and he enjoyed listening to music, especially Blues and Jazz.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Lois Brown.
Surviving in addition to his mother and wife is a daughter, Jessica (Hawkins) Curtin and her husband Rob of Roanoke; two sisters, Beth Sellers and her husband Harry of Roanoke and Mary Bert Hawkins of Dayton; two granddogs, Lily Jane and Franklin; nieces and nephews, Whit Sellers and his wife Jess, Meg Sellers all of Nashville, Caitie Sellers of Richmond, and Josie Hawkins of Dayton; his father-in-law, Carl Brown; and numerous extended family and friends also survive.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2017 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Doctor Paul OGorek.
The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests giving to a charity of ones choice in Jays name. His favorite charities were Valley Mission, 1513 West Beverley Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401, S.P.C.A. 33 Archery Lane, Staunton, Virginia 24401, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank 96 Laurel Hill Road, Verona, Virginia 24482 or The American Cancer Society, 1445 Rio Road, E. # 104 Charlottesville, Virginia 22901.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of his arrangements.