James D. Watkins

Chief of U.S. Naval operations (1982–86), 6th U.S. Secretary of Energy (1989–93)

James David Watkins (March 7, 1927 – July 26, 2012) was an American politician. He was a United States Navy admiral and former Chief of Naval Operations.

James D. Watkins
Watkins as Secretary of Energy 1989-1993
6th United States Secretary of Energy
In office
March 1, 1989 – January 20, 1993
PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush
Preceded byJohn Herrington
Succeeded byHazel O'Leary
Chief of Naval Operations
In office
June 30, 1982 – June 30, 1986
PresidentRonald Reagan
Preceded byThomas Hayward
Succeeded byCarlisle Trost
Personal details
Born
James David Watkins

(1927-03-07)March 7, 1927
Alhambra, California, U.S.
DiedJuly 26, 2012(2012-07-26) (aged 85)
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Sheila Jo McKinney Watkins (first wife; 1950 - 1996, her death)
Janet McDonough Watkins
ChildrenKatherine Watkins Coopersmith
Charlie Watkins
Laura Jo Watkins
Susan Watkins
James David Watkins, Jr.
Edward Francis Watkins
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
Naval Postgraduate School
AwardsNavy Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (3)
Bronze Star (Valor)"
Navy Commendation Medal
Navy Expeditionary Medal
China Service Medal
WWII Victory Medal
Navy Occupation Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal (2)
Vietnam Service Medal (5)
United Nations Korea Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Military service
Allegiance United States of America Years of Service: 1949-1986
Branch/service United States Navy
Rank Admiral
CommandsChief of Naval Operations
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
Vietnam War

He served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy during the George H. W. Bush administration, also chairing U.S. government commissions on HIV/AIDS and ocean policy. Watkins also served on the boards of various companies and other nongovernmental organizations and as the co-chair of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative.

Watkins died of congestive heart failure on July 26, 2012 in Alexandria, Virginia at the age of 85.[1][2]

References change

  1. Valerie J. Nelson (July 29, 2012). "James D. Watkins dies at 85; retired admiral led AIDS, ocean panels". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  2. "Former CNO Admiral James Watkins Passes Away". U.S. Navy. 2012-07-27. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2015-10-01.