James' 6 Children are doing everything we can to help James and Emily through this difficult time. We are also asking for your help.

If any of you have ever meet James or Emily, you know that their doors and hearts are always open. In Augusta, he’s raised his 4 children as a single father before meeting the love of his life, Emily, and his 2 new sons. James and Emily have raised their 6 children, helped raise their grandchildren, and have always kept their doors open/lights on for their children’s’ or grandchildren’s’ friends in need.The neighborhood kids have always known the Watkins/White home as Stability. Many of their own children’s friends have moved into their home in a time of need. It’s provided 24/7 meals, a listening ear, and a safe place to land for anyone in need. James has selflessly given to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers countless times throughout his 56 years. He has been a reliable, dependable foundation for so many of us. They are now the ones that need support while he adjusts to his new normal and life’s newest curve ball.

In March 2021, James had many ER visits where an echocardiogram revealed his heart’s Ejection Fraction (pumping ability) is dangerously low at 18%. The normal is 55-70%. His heart is not strong enough to pump the way it needs to. The cardiologists found no explanation for why his heart function is so low. There are no blockages, no answers. His new heart failure and frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions puts him at high risk for fatal arrhythmias and/or sudden cardiac arrest.

Anyone that knows James, knows that he’s a physically active and able man. He worked 10 years in Afghanistan to build a new home for his large family. If he’s not working his physically demanding job, he’s renovating the house, restoring cars, participating in his grandchildren’s baseball games/coaching, or has a new creative business adventure to pursue. His heart is suddenly not strong enough to allow any of this. He currently wears a Life Vest 24/7, which will shock his heart should he go into a fatal arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest. Which has recently occured, sending him to the ER again.

He physically cannot continue his work role, and James has been forced into a financial bind while fighting to strengthen his heart. His Cardiologist’s goal is to keep him home to allow his heart to regain some function. His low heart function makes him eligible for Disability but it has been a long process. The process continues to be stalled and/or denied, then repeated. Financial bills haven’t stopped because of these processing delays and James remains unable to physically exert himself enough to maintain the necessary work hours or keep up with the bills. They need help to adjust to this new chapter of their life. They’ve worked too hard and given too much to others to lose it all now, unexpectedly.

We are asking for any and all help that can be provided. If you would prefer another form of contributing you can reach out to Stephanie Baker([email redacted]) directly for options.

We greatly appreciate you reading James and Emily's story.