James Wesley Hawkins, Jr.

James Wesley “Baby James” “Papa Hawk” Hawkins, Jr., of Sharon, Pennsylvania, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 13, 2025, while a patient at UPMC – Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following a brief illness. He was 59.

Baby James was born October 10, 1965, in Sharon, a son to James Wesley Hawkins, Sr. & Evelyn Lucille (Flint) Hawkins.

He was a 1985 graduate from Sharon High School and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged from his duties in 1992.

James united in marriage with Charlene Marie Bradley in 1999. He worked at Sawhill Tubular in the Galvanizing Division before retiring.

For many years, he coached Pop Warner Football in Sharon. He also had a strong faith which led him to become the assistant pastor at New Covenant Christian Center Church of God in Christ, Farrell, Pennsylvania. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, watching his kids, grandkids, and nephews play sports, cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, playing cards, spending time with his aunts, uncles, family and friends, and being a jokester at heart. He loved family dinners and all holidays. He had a million dollar smile that lit up a room and never met a stranger. Everyone mattered to him! He will truly be missed.

Survivors include: his step-mother, Wilhelmina Hawkins, of Sharon; daughters, Morgan Bradley, of Niagara Falls, New York, and A’Bryia Hawkins, of Sharon; sons, Bryron Bradley, Carnell Hawkins, Evan Hawkins, and Braelin Hawkins, all of Sharon; sisters, twin - Shawna Casciato, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, twin - Shara (Cleveland) Austin, of Sharon; brothers, Clyde Hawkins (Keyona), and Donyeal Scott, both of Sharon; nine grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nephews, and a niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brothers, Vernon & Torrence Hawkins.

A Home Going Service to honor Baby James’ life will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Highway to Heaven Ministries, 201 Spruce Avenue, Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146. Family and friends may pay their respects from 11-12 PM, also in the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com 

As suggested by his family, memorial contributions can be made to the church.

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Hawkins was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, 379 State Route 7, SE, Box 551, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135)