Father remembered for his jokes, wit

Tim Watkins

Costa Mesa resident, 49, loved to tell jokes — usually laughing at a few of his own — his family says.

By Joseph Serna

The Costa Mesa father of two and avid bodysurfer “had the memory of an elephant,” said his ex-wife, Jodi Watkins. It was something family members said they came to depend on for information.

Watkins was killed in a car crash Saturday in Manteca, where he was visiting his father for Thanksgiving. He was 49.

Watkins grew up in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Avila Beach and ultimately settled in Costa Mesa in high school. He graduated from Costa Mesa High School and went on to graduate from USC. He coached youth baseball and soccer and played in a local rugby team.

His 8-year-old daughter, Molly, said she loved watching “The Biggest Loser” with her dad and when he took her shopping for clothes.

His son, Brooks, 15, plays water polo at Estancia High School.

Watkins is preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah, and survived by his parents, Chuck and Thea; son, Brooks, daughter, Molly; brothers Chip, Marcus, Kevin and Jason; sisters Peggy, Brandy and Jenny.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Children of Tim Watkins Memorial Fund at Farmers and Merchants Bank, 1750 E. 17th St. in Santa Ana.